WA KEUR MAM MAMUT YASSIN

Mam Mamut Yassin                                                                                                         

بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ 

 BISMILLAHIR RAHMANIR RAHEEM

The Life and Legacy of Mam Mamut Yassin

Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim

Mam Mamut Yassin, a revered religious leader and scholar, was the son of Sait Hincha Njomeh. His birth was notable as he was born with a complete set of teeth, a rare occurrence that led his mother to cover him whenever they went out. Though his exact birthplace remains unknown, it is believed that he originally hailed from Senegal. At that time, the political boundary between Senegal and The Gambia had not yet been established, as the border was drawn in 1889.

Mamut Yassin first settled in Ngallambo, located in Ndakharr, Senegal, alongside Sait Kani, the son of Bakary Kura Gai. After residing there for a period, he moved to a place called Nguncaldi, situated east of Koudeh village, near the border between The Gambia and Senegal. This area was rich with baobab trees. While living there, Mamut Yassin and his companions attempted to dig a well but struggled to reach the water table. In the meantime, they relied on water from Panchang Madi Fanna.

Spiritual and Historical Events

During this time, Musa Chendou Ndufeh, a representative of Maba Jehu Bah and a grandson of Mam Madi Bakar, fought enemies in Sanchi Taba. Musa Chendou, a devout Muslim, was believed to possess powerful charms that initially protected him from bullets. However, he was eventually killed after his charms were removed. Following his death, Sanchi Taba was deserted.

The Alkali of Panchang Madi Fanna, either Mamut Gai or Mamut Samba Ngibaye, sympathized with Mamut Yassin and invited him to stay in Panchang Madi Fanna. However, Mamut Yassin declined due to the distractions caused by wrestling contests and music in the area, which he felt were unsuitable for Quranic studies. Instead, he chose to rebuild the abandoned village of Sanchi Taba. Guided by spiritual insight, he searched for a specific well known as "Gauge," a Wolof word meaning "sea." This sacred well is still significant today, with brides visiting it during wedding ceremonies.

When the well’s water level occasionally rose above normal, Mam Madi Huma would write Quranic verses and send students, such as Alhagie Ebou Ceesay or Mamut Kumba Ceesay, to drop them into the well, which would then return to normal.

Contributions to Islamic Learning

Mamut Yassin was a respected religious leader with numerous disciples. He built a mosque in Fass Alhagie Bassin and was known for his piety and spiritual knowledge. Despite disagreements about where he lived during the mosque’s construction, it was agreed that he was instrumental in its establishment.

He lived peacefully with Mam Sawallo Fanna Mbass, the chief of Upper Saloum, as they shared the same Islamic principles. People from the region sought his prayers, as they believed his supplications were always answered. One notable instance involved the family of Mam Narr Mbenda, who requested Mamut Yassin’s prayers for her recovery. Impressed by his piety, her family later offered her hand in marriage to the marabout.

Remarkable Incidents

Mamut Yassin demonstrated extraordinary spiritual insight on several occasions. One instance involved warning villagers not to fish in the Daybantang River. Those who ignored his advice were attacked by a fierce crocodile, resulting in a tragic death. During the Janaza prayer, Mamut Yassin emphasized the importance of obeying leaders’ commands.

He was also known for his teachings on proper religious practices. When Sheriff Yonus visited him, an interesting exchange occurred regarding ablution. Mamut Yassin demonstrated the importance of tasting water before ablution to ensure its purity, teaching the Sheriff a valuable lesson.

Family and Legacy

Mamut Yassin had a large family and established an Islamic school where his children received their basic education. His first son, Madi Bakar, did not live long, but his younger brother, Sait Fatim, became a prominent figure. One of Mamut Yassin’s sons, Mam Gibel Hadam, demonstrated exceptional dedication by rebuilding the family compound, earning his father’s admiration.

Years later, Sait Fatim wrote a book but struggled to sell it. When Gibel Hadam was given the task, he sold it almost immediately, fulfilling a prophecy made by their father that Gibel would be prosperous and sought after by his relatives.

Passing and Annual Commemoration

Mamut Yassin lived during the same era as Mam Serigne Touba and Mam Maudo Malick Sey. After a fulfilling life dedicated to teaching and spiritual guidance, he fell ill and passed away in Panchang Sanchi Taba. His death was a profound loss, and his funeral drew a massive crowd from across the region. Imam Tamsir Amadou Jay delivered a heartfelt eulogy, emphasizing that while Mamut Yassin’s body was gone, his spirit would remain in their hearts.

Imam Tamsir Amadou Jay later returned to Mabo in Senegal, unable to stay in Sanchi Taba without his beloved Khalifa.

In 1963, Mam Madi Huma began the annual recitation of the Holy Quran in memory of Mamut Yassin and Sait Fatim. The official commencement of the annual “Ciyareh” in Panchang Sanchi Taba was in 1979 when Mam Babou Jay left Kungel, Senegal to Panchang Sancha Taba via Kerr Mamut Fanna. He met Mamut Jay, Chendou Kura and Mamut Hincha there. They asked him to spend the night there so that they could go together to Panchang Sancha and visit the grave of their grandfather-Mamut Yassin. The following day they boarded a boat from Niamina heading to Panchang. When they reached the North Bank of the river, they told the captain of the boat to wait to for them because they would not spend the night in Panchang. They came and met Mam Madi Huma in Panchang who welcome them nicely. They read the Quran, recited so many "Salatu Alanabi" and other useful chatting pertaining to the great marabout until lunch time, then Awa Sarr, a wife of Mam Madi Huma brought the lunch. After eating their lunch, Mam Madi Huma gave them the permission to return since the captain was waiting for them at riverbank. They dispersed after their Zohr prayer, which is the 2 pm prayer. This event continues to be held on the last Sunday of March each year.

Conclusion

Mam Mamut Yassin’s life was marked by his dedication to Islamic teachings, his spiritual wisdom, and his lasting impact on his community. His legacy lives on through his descendants and the annual “Ciyareh” that commemorates his remarkable contributions