Shaykh Hassan Ali Cisse, spiritual guide for millions of Muslims in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States, served as the Chief Imam (leader) of the Grand Masjid (mosque) in Medina Kaolack, Senegal from 1982 until his passing in 2008.
A renowned religious leader, Shaykh Hassan was also recognized for his outstanding humanitarian work with the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) and Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Born in Kaolack on December 4, 1945 to Sayyidi Ali Cisse and Fatima Zahra Niasse, Shaykh Hassan studied the Holy Qur’an (Islamic Scripture) in Mauritania, completing its memorization at ten years of age. His remaining secondary studies were in Senegal, and he proceeded on to Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies and Arabic Literature. Shaykh Hassan then acquired a diploma in French, a certificate in English, and a Masters of Philosophy from the University of London.
First traveling to the US In 1976, Shaykh Hassan subsequently enrolled in the doctorate of Islamic Studies program at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. When his father died in 1982, he returned to Senegal to assume the role of imam.
As the first grandson and spiritual heir to Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse (referred to as Shaykh* Al Islam throughout Africa) who passed in 1975, Shaykh Hassan was an eminent leader of the Tariqa Tijaniyya, a path of super-erogatory worship based on the teachings of the Qur’an and the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him*). Founded in Morocco in 1784 by Shaykh Ahmed Tijanni, the tariqa provides supplemental spiritual exercises for Muslims seeking to be of those nearest to God according to the Qur’an.
Shaykh Hassan's International Activities
Shaykh Hassan’s efforts to spread Islam and promote peace and understanding were relentless; he traveled from continent to continent meeting with other religious leaders, government officials and the common people wherever he went. During his US trips, he was awarded the Key to the City by Cleveland, Washington, DC, Detroit, Memphis, and New Orleans, and a Mayor’s Proclamation in Atlanta. Washington, DC proclaimed June 16, 1986 as “Shaykh Hassan Cisse Day;” New Orleans followed suit on October 2, 1996.
In 1988, Shaykh Hassan established the African American Islamic Institute (AAII), a humanitarian organization honored by the United Nations on numerous occasions for its vital efforts to safeguard and improve the health, education and well-being of all human beings – particularly women and children. As chairman, he directed its activities,“to feed the hungry, care for the sick, teach the unlettered, protect the interests of women and children, pursue knowledge, and foster peace and understanding among mankind.”
Shaykh Hassan was invited by several heads of state, embassies, and both governmental and non-governmental agencies to offer the Islamic perspective on human rights, marriage and family issues, drug and alcohol abuse, and conflict resolution at numerous conferences. He met with various high-ranking dignitaries, including President Jimmy Carter, Secretary of State Colin Powell, and UN leader Kofi Annan.
In July 2002, Shaykh Hassan addressed the World Summit on Sustainable Development, calling for increased spirituality. He also participated in the Conference for Peace held in London during August of that year. In October, he received an award from the World Association of NGO’s for his countless efforts to advance education. As well, he was invited by the United Nations as the first Muslim leader to open their New York conference with Surat Al Fatiha (the first chapter of the Qur’an).
AAII sponsors a medical clinic in Medina, Kaolack – thanks to the support of many US healthcare professionals who have spent their vacations over the last decade or more rotating in the provision of much-needed services to the clinic’s many patients. And in 2003, Shaykh Hassan established University El Hadi Ibrahim Niasse in Dakar (capital of Senegal) for the study of medicine.
The success of Shaykh Hassan's efforts is witnessed by the fact that it was not unusual for large gatherings to simultaneously accept Islam at his invitation. Recently in Cameroon, over 1,200 individuals professed the shahadah (the first pillar of Islam, “There is only one God worthy of worshiping, and Muhammad was His last messenger”).
Shaykh Hasssan's Dedicated Followers
Shaykh Hassan authored several books to promote a better understanding of Islam by English-speaking persons. In 1984 under the AAII, he established a Qur’anic memorization, Arabic and Islamic Studies program in Medina Kaolack. Since then, hundreds of American, North and West African youth have studied there, and a total of nine Americans including five females were certified as Hafiz (memorizers). The Americans are prsently serving in communities across the US: New York, Atlanta, Detroit, Washington, DC, Chicago, Texas, Kansas City, MO; and California.
Despite his varied accomplishments, Shaykh Hassan is missed most by his many students and followers for his loving, compassionate spirit and his impeccable character. Many have described him as the perfect modern-day exemplar of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him**).
“He never turned anyone away; from morning until after midnight, his home was packed with dozens of local and international visitors, and people seeking his assistance in various matters – from requests for food, medicine, and/or money to advice on personal matters to spiritual enlightenment,” states Imam Furqan Muhammad of Masjid Al-Muminun in Atlanta, GA where Shaykh Hassan led Jumaah (Friday prayer service) and lectured on several occasions. Both of Imam Furqan’s sons studied in Medina Kaolack.
Generations of lives were touched personally by Shaykh Hassan in the forty-plus years of his service. His influence and the esteem in which he was held were witnessed by the fact that, according to reports, two million people attended his janaza (funeral prayer) in 2008 in Medina Kaolack, and services were held for him in cities across the world.
*Shaykh refers to a highly-esteemed Islamic scholar.
**It is customary in Islam to invoke peace and blessings on Prophet Muhammad and all the prophets when mentioning their names.
Sources:
- Cisse, Shaykh Hassan Ali. Bio at end of Sincere Advice, 2000.
- The official website of the African American Islamic Institute at AAII.info.
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