CHILDREN OF MAM MAMUT YASSIN

Mamut Yassin married to Mam Fatim Bob Mbye, who was from Jama Gajor village in Senegal. 

(Her father was Madi Lo Sarr, Madi Lo Sarr's father was Ngary Kura Fatim, Ngary Kura Fatim was from Omar Ndumbeh and Omar Ndumbeh was from Hantou Yorro; Hantou Yorro's father was Mam Yorro Sey Penda Malick) She and Mam Mamut Yassin had the following children: 

1. Madi Suka (Madi Bakarr)

2. Sait Fatim

Mam Mamut Yassin and his wife Mam Adam Mbass Saho had the following children:

3. Musa Adam

4. Khoja Malick (Khoja Adam)

5. Gibel Adam (Niki Adam)

Mam Mamut Yassin also married to Mam Huma Kalla Tambedou and got these children:

6. Sheriff Yonus Huma

7. Madi Huma

8. Chendou Huma

9. Yassin Huma

10. Fanna Huma

Mam Mamut Yassin and his wife Mam Narr Mbenda had the following children:

11. Fatou Narr

12. Satou Narr

13. Ngarry Narr

14 Ousainou Narr

Mam Mamut Yassin also married to Mam Fanna Bamba; they had one Child:

15. Jabou Gai

 Madi Bakar, 

 Ngarry Narr,

 Fatou Narr

 Sheriff Yonus Huma

The first child of Mam Mamut Yassin was Madi Bakar, not the Madi Bakar that came from Mali long time ago. He was just Madi Ceesay but used to be called Madi Bakar. He passed away at an early age. Ngarry Narr and Fatou Narr were from Mam Narr Mbenda. Ngarry died at early age while Fatou Narr had a very long life but had no child. Sheriff Yonus Huma was from Mam Huma Kalla and he passed away at early age too.

We will now go into the individual stories of each of the sons and daughters of Mam Mamut Yassin in detail.

                        Mam Sait Fatim:

Mam Sait Fatim was the younger brother of Madi Bakar, the first child of Mam Mamut Yassin. He was born in Panchang Sancha Taba, The Gambia, around 1879, to Mam Mamut Yassin and Mam Fatim Bob Mbye. After losing his mother at a young age, he was raised by Mam Huma Kalla Tambedou, the mother of Mam Madi Huma.

Early Life and Quranic Education

Mam Sait began his Quranic education with his father at the age of six. His dedication allowed him to memorize the Quran in a short period. One significant moment in his childhood was a dream where he shared a bed with Njoll Ceesay, who led him in an 'Eid prayer. When Mam Sait recounted this dream, his father predicted that it symbolized an important event, 63 years in the future.

From an early age, Mam Sait exhibited leadership, diligence, humility, and respect, earning the loyalty of his siblings. He later traveled with his younger brothers and Njoll Ceesay, a disciple of his father, to continue his education in Ngerr, Senegal. Upon completing his studies, he returned to replace his father as the head of the Quranic school.

Mam Sait became a revered Islamic scholar and teacher, earning the title “Njombuna Panchang” from the Senegalese, signifying that he was too esteemed to remain in Panchang. Unlike his father, Mam Sait's relationship with the Upper Saloum chief, Mam Matarr Jay Sawalo, was tense due to their differing beliefs—Mam Matarr Jay, educated in the Western system, clashed with Mam Sait's traditional Quranic teachings. This was during the colonial era where Chiefs were very powerful. In most cases, these two beliefs clashed a lot. We can cite some examples to help us understand more about this issue. We heard of what had happened between Mam Serigne Touba and the white men; he was taken out of Senegal for a period because of his firm belief in the Islamic religion. Another example is Mam Ibrahim Niasse of ‘Lewna Niasseen’ in Kaolack, Senegal. He too had some issues with the white men. Last but not the least, was Imam Alioune Badara Ndao of Kaolack, Senegal. He was unlawfully accused of terrorism and incarcerated for more than two years only for his firm belief in religion. Therefore, if similar things happened between Mam Matarr Jay Sawalo and Mam Sait Fatim, it wouldn’t be a surprise. Mam Omar Sira Nyahana and Mam Line Dado were chiefs who had no problem with the family of Mam Mamut Yassin before Matarr Jay Sawallo.

Religious Conflicts and Migration

During the colonial era, tensions often arose between traditional Islamic leaders and Western-educated authorities. Mam Sait's refusal to send children to Western schools became a significant point of contention with Chief Mam Matarr Jay Sawalo, who insisted on educational enrollment for the district. Mam Sait, citing a Quranic verse that allows migration when religious freedom is threatened, He sent Mam Gibel Adam to Tamsir Majay to tell him that he wanted to relocate to Kerr Mamut Fanna. Tamsir Majay advised Sait Fatim not to stay in Kerr Mamut Fanna more than five years. He also told him not to go with Gibel Adam in the same year. At that time, Njoll Juka known as Njoll Ceesay who was in the same ‘Daara’ with Mam Sait Fatim had also returned to Bati Khaye village. Some said Njoll Ceesay relocated from Bati Khaye to Bati Njoll in Niamina due to an issue he had with the chief of Upper Saloum, while others believed he just moved to Bati Njoll after the death of his father.  

In Kerr Mamut Fanna, he was joined by many disciples, including Njoll Ceesay. During one 'Eid prayer, a debate arose over who would lead the prayer. Eventually, Njoll Ceesay led, fulfilling Mam Sait's prophetic dream 63 years later. This incident demonstrated their shared commitment to spreading Islamic teachings.

After five years in Kerr Mamut Fanna, Mam Sait returned to Panchang Sancha Taba but faced new challenges. The chief's demands for compulsory labor were met with resistance. When Mam Sait refused, the chief ordered his arrest, but his followers, including World War II veteran Mam Samba Yama, defended him. To avoid conflict, Mam Sait moved to the Senegambia border and established Panchang Serigne Sait in 1952.

Relationship with Lower Saloum and Spiritual Influence

Unlike the Upper Saloum chief, Chief Barra Touray of Lower Saloum sought a close relationship with Mam Sait. When Chief Barra's wife struggled to conceive, he invited Mam Sait to Ballagharr village. After performing a night prayer, Mam Sait predicted the birth of a child. True to his words, a baby boy was born, whom the chief named after "Serigne" on Mam Sait's advice.

Mam Sait continued his work in Panchang Serigne Sait, drawing numerous disciples and earning respect from the community. Despite reconciliation attempts from Chief Mam Matarr Jay Sawalo, Mam Sait declined to return to Panchang Sancha Taba, possibly influenced by his younger brother Mam Madi Huma, who maintained cordial ties with the chief.

Pilgrimage and Final Days

In July or August 1953, Mam Sait embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca, traveling through Tivavone, Senegal, to meet his friend Serigne Babacarr Sey. He went via Tivavone, Senegal with Njanko Jay Ceesay to meet Serigne Babacarr Sey. He was a friend of Seringe Babacarr Sey and they exchange messages. Substantiating on what has been said above, Alhagie Ibrahima Ceesay of Talinding went to Tivavone in 1971 to see Mam Abdou Aziz Sey. After revealing his parents and hometown, Mam Abdou told him that Gambians are not fund of leadership, otherwise they would have been going to Panchang Sancha Taba the way people come to Tivavone and go to Touba. " I have here so many letters of Serigne Babacarr Sey which were written by Seringe Sait Fatim, your grandfather", said Mam Abdou.

Seringe Babacarr Sey told him that, he had spirituality seen his completed hajj, but his length of staying in Panchang after his return was not certain. “As long as I would complete the hajj and return safely, its ok,” said Mam Sait Fatim. He then proceeded to Mecca by Ship and during the hajj he saw Mam Madi Huma because they went to Mecca the same year, although Mam Madi Huma went by plane. After successfully completing the hajj he returned by ship, but due to the long trip he felt so sick upon his arrival. The great marabout spent only days or a week and passed away in October 1953.

Mam Sait was buried in the cemetery at Panchang Sancha Taba alongside his father. On the way to the cemetery, the pallbearers rested under a mahogany tree, which later became a sacred tree where people would hang threads from their clothing whenever they are passing there.

Mam Sait Fatim's legacy as a devout scholar, leader, and marabout continues to be remembered in both The Gambia and Senegal. His unwavering commitment to Islamic education and peaceful resolution of conflicts left an enduring mark on the region.

                       Mam Gibel Adam (Niki Adam)

Mam Gibel Adam was the son of Mam Mamut Yassin and Mam Adam Mbass Saho. The Wolof word "Niki" means "like." Mam Gibel Adam earned this nickname due to his habit of asking his neighbors for further clarification when they came to seek financial assistance, often saying "Niki" to prompt them to explain how they would repay him if it was a loan.

His mother was initially married to Mam Musa Yassin, the elder brother of Mam Mamut Yassin. She had three children: Ali Adam, Jay Adam, and Sait Adam, though there is some doubt regarding the existence of Sait Adam. After Mam Musa Yassin passed away, she married Mam Mamut Yassin.

Mam Gibel was born in Panchang Sancha Taba and began his basic Quranic education at his father's Dara (Islamic school) in the same village. For higher education, he later traveled with his brothers to another village. Each year, one or more of the brothers would return to visit their father. On one of these visits, Mam Gibel Adam found the family compound in a dilapidated state, with animals freely entering from all corners. Upset by the sight, he went to the forest, gathered materials, and single-handedly rebuilt the fence.

Impressed by his dedication and hard work, Mam Mamut Yassin decided that Mam Gibel should not return to the Quranic school, as his services were more needed at home. Mam Mamut Yassin even wrote to Mam Sait Fatim, one of Mam Gibel's mentors, informing him of the decision and predicting that although Mam Gibel might not be as educated as his brothers, he would be the one they would turn to for financial support. Skeptical at first, his brothers continued their studies while Mam Gibel stayed with his father.

Years passed, and their father passed away. The brothers established their own households, with Mam Gibel settling in Kerr Mamut Fanna while the others remained in Panchang Sancha Taba. One day, Mam Sait Fatim wrote a book and asked his younger brothers to sell it, but none succeeded.

When Mam Gibel Adam came to visit Mam Sait Fatim, he arrived late at night and waited until morning to see him. During their conversation, Sait Fatim mentioned the book and asked Mam Gibel to try selling it. As soon as Mam Gibel left the compound, a Senegalese man arrived on horseback, inquiring about the book. Gibel sold it to him at double the price.

When Gibel returned and informed Sait Fatim, the latter was amazed. He gathered his brothers and reminded them of their father's letter. "This proves that although we are more educated than Gibel, he is luckier and more prosperous," Mam Sait Fatim remarked. He also reminded them of Gibel's unwavering service to their father.

Mam Gibel Adam became known as a wealthy and pious man who frequently helped the needy. He ensured that most of his sons attended Arabic schools and arranged for his daughters to marry religious scholars. He was also known for farming, livestock raising, and involvement in the transportation industry.

He made multiple pilgrimages to Mecca, with his first in 1946. While in Mecca, he intended to name Mam Fatou Fanna and Mam Jabou Awa's babies Ibrahima and Muhammed if they were boys. Upon his return, he discovered that the babies had already been named Madi Suka and Saikou Bah. Despite this, he renamed them. Madi Suka became Alhagie Ibrahima Ceesay of Talinding, and Saikou Bah was renamed Alhagie Samba Ceesay. His second pilgrimage was in 1963 with Mam Mamut Hincha.

In 1964, Mam Gibel Adam sent Alhagie Samba, Alhagie Mamut Haddy, and Alhagie Ablie to Mecca. Two years later, Alhagie Ibrahima Ceesay went on pilgrimage with Madi Jay and Ousman Fanna.

Mam Niki Adam fell ill on a Saturday and passed away the following Saturday in 1972. His Janaza (funeral) prayer was led by Alhagie Abdou Jay, a son of Alhagie Njoll Ceesay. He was laid to rest in Kerr Mamut Fanna. Over time, seven trees were seen germinating around his grave. May his soul rest in peace.

                                            Sheriff Yonus Huma

Sheriff Yonus Huma was the son of Mam Mamut Yassin and Mam Huma Kalla Tambedou. His father named him after Sheriff Yonus of Bangherr, who was a close friend.

One day, Sheriff Yonus visited Mam Mamut Yassin in Panchang Sancha Taba. At that time, Mam Mamut was reading Surah Yonus from the Holy Quran. Within a few minutes, Mam Huma Kalla gave birth to a baby boy. Astonished by the timing, Mam Mamut Yassin declared, "I'm reading Surah Yonus, the Sheriff comes here, and my wife delivers a baby boy. I will name him after the Sheriff."

When Sheriff Yonus Huma was about seven years old, his father decided to send him to a Quranic school. He entrusted Mam Ali Khoja, the father of Modou Mbombeh from Panchang Serigne Sait, to take the boy to his namesake in Bangherr before starting his education. (Source: Musa Yassin Jr., Alh Ebou Ceesay Talinding)

They departed early in the morning and arrived in Bangherr just before 2 p.m. When it was time for prayer, Sheriff Yonus of Bangherr went to the backyard to perform ablution, taking care to avoid anyone seeing his head, as legend held that anyone who did would die instantly.

While Sheriff Yonus was wiping his head, the young boy unknowingly opened the door to ease himself and caught a glimpse of the Sheriff's head. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sheriff Yonus handed Mam Ali Khoja a needle, thread, and a white piece of cloth for burial, explaining what had happened. He urged them to return to Panchang immediately.

Upon their return, Mam Ali Khoja recounted the events to Mam Mamut Yassin. Mam Mamut accepted the situation with faith and resignation. A few days later, the boy complained of a severe headache and tragically passed away.

(Source: Musa Yassin Jr., Alh Ebou Ceesay Talinding)

                                                Madi Huma

Mam madi Huma was a son of Mam Mamut Yassin and Mam Huma Kalla Tambedou. he was born in at Panchang Sancha Taba. He started learning the Holy Quran at a very early age from his father Mam Mamut Yassin. He mastered the Holy book in such a way that he could read the whole text within few hours.

Madi Huma was a teacher, farmer and very pious religious leader who was well known and respected within Upper and lower Saloum. He was very brave and straightforward; neither tall nor short, but somehow slim and dark in complexion. His relationship with the chief of Njau Upper Saloum, Matarr Jay Sawallo was very cordial. The chief contributed significantly towards his 1953 pilgrimage to Mecca. Throughout his life, his place of resident was Panchang Sancha Taba. Mam madi Huma passed away in 1986. May his soul rest in Peace. (source: Bajen Satou Bury, Alh Sait Kani)

                        Chendou Huma

Chendou Huma was a son of Mamut Yassin and Mam Huma Kalla Tambedou. He was born at Panchang Sancha Taba and did his elementary education there. He was an exceptional man. One day during Mam Sait Fatim's era, they were having an Islamic Ceremony held at the mosque. It was at night and many people were present while mam Sait Fatim and Mam Madi Huma were at home welcoming the guests. 

In the middle of the ceremony, lights went off and it so dark. All of a sudden, a very bright light emanated from his forehead and the whole place was bright; that gave surprise to the congregation. Mam Sait Fatim, although he was at home but knew exactly what was going on in the mosque. He sent Madi Huma to go the mosque and tell Chendou Huma to stop what he was doing. Madi Huma went to the mosque and whispered the message in Chendou Huma's ears." It's something that I can't control", replied Chendou Huma. Madi Huma returned back to Sait Fatim and told him exactly what Chendou Huma sait. " Oh! my brother is finished; he is exposed too early", said mam sait Fatim. He did not live long, but luckily left a family. Among his family were Ebou Sallah, Mamut Kumba, Sunna Njemeh and Chendou Mbacho who is named after his father. May his soul rest in peace. (source: Musa Yassin Jr, Alh Ebou Ceesay Talinding)

                      Ousainou Narr:

 To be continued