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, who was the first child of Mam Mamut Yassin. His Father was Mam Mamut Yassin and his mother was Mam Fatim Bob Mbye. He was born in The Gambia, in a village called Panchang Sancha Taba around 1879. His mother passed away when he was very young and as result, Mam Huma Kalla Tambedou, the mother of Mam madi Huma brought him up.

He started his basic Quranic Education from his father in Panchang Sancha Taba when he was about 6 years old; and within a short period of time, he memorized the Quran. That was the time when he saw Njoll Ceesay, whom he was sharing the same bed in a dream, led him an ‘Eid prayer. When he narrated his dream to his father, his father told him that, from that time to the time Njoll ceesay would be leading him an ‘Eid Prayer would be 63 years. Mam Sait Fatim shown signs of leadership during his early age. He was diligent, humble and respectful; his mannerism was exceptional and as a result all his brothers and sisters were loyal to him.

Mam Sait Fatim later went out of Panchang Sanchi Taba with some of his younger brothers and Njoll Ceesay, who was a disciple of his father, to further their education. One of the places they went to was Ngerr village in Senegal. He completed his higher education and returned home to replace his father in his Quranic school. He had so many students in his ‘Daara’. He was a great marabout, not in terms of traditional healing, but an Islamic scholar who was well-known for farming, teaching and learning of the Quran. He was an icon; so knowledgeable in the Islamic religion that the Senegalese people called the ‘Jorr- Jorr’ gave him the title “Njombuna Panchang”, meaning Sait Fatim was too good to live in Panchang.

Unlike his father, his relationship with the chief of Upper Saloum, Mam Matarr Jay Sawalo, was not cordial for the simple fact that they were having opposing belief. Mam Matarr jay was a son of Mam Sawalo Fanna Mbass Ceesay of Njau village. He went for the western education and eventually became the chief of Upper Saloum, therefore, his beliefs and that of Mam Sait Fatim, who went to the Quranic school must have differences. 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 of time 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 the 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 problem with the family of Mam Mamut Yassin before Matarr Jay Sawallo.

The chief was not only interested in enrolling his own children to the western education but campaigning for the whole district to send their children to school. This was against the wishes of Mam Sait Fatim. He preferred dying to closing his ‘Daara’ and let his disciples went for the western education. That was his first major problem with Mam Matarr Jay Sawalo, the chief of upper Saloum. The chief insisted that children need to be registered and religious leaders normally don’t want ‘Fitna’, that’s trouble. Mam Sait Fatim relied on the Quranic verse that says ‘The land is widely opened for mankind, if anybody’s religion is threatened, he or she can move to where his or her religion can be practiced without interference. He decided to leave Panchang Sancha Taba with his ‘Daara’ for Kerr Mamut Fanna in Niamina. 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. He had many disciples that went with him.

‘Eid Prayer came. Njoll Ceesay decided to leave Bati Njoll to Kerr Mamut Fanna for a congregational prayer with his teacher’s son, Sait Fatim. At the praying ground, they were debating who would be the Imam. Njoll chose Sait Fatim to be the Imam and Sait Fatim too chose Njoll Ceesay to be their Imam. They stood there for a while debating and later Njoll Ceesay led the ‘Eid Prayer. When the prayer ended, Sait Fatim stood in front of the crowd and told them not to think that they didn’t know what they were doing. He then reminded them the dream he had so many years ago and his father told him his dream would come into reality in 63 years’ time and that year was the 63rd year. This again shows us the type of people Mamut Yassin was. Njoll Ceesay later told Sait Fatim that two of them shouldn’t be in Niamina and promised to return back to Bati Khaye village. “I will return back to Panchang Sancha Taba because you came here with your students before me and founded the village, so if you go, everybody will follow you”, said Mam Sait Fatim. What we can deduce here is that both of them were doing the same thing, that is spreading the dos and don’ts of the Almighty Allah; therefore, they should be at different place.

That was the reason why after five years, Mam Sait Fatim returned back to Panchang Sancha Taba. He came and found another problem added to the one that led him to leave for Kerr Mamut Fanna. The chief was compelling people to do some work for him in Njau Village. Mam Sait Fatim said neither him nor his students would work for the chief. The chief ordered for his arrest. Mam Samba Yama, who was a soldier in World War II, Mam Barro Yama and many other people together with his disciples said they would rather die than allowing the great marabout to be arrested by the chief. Mam Sait Fatim didn’t want any life to be lost and no problem to be created, so he decided to move again to the Senegambia border-only to make sure that peace prevail within the neighborhood.

That was why Panchang Serigne Sait was founded in 1952 by Mam Sait Fatim. Mam Madi Huma remained in Panchang Sancha Taba because he was having cordial relationship with the chief. He had sent one or some of his stepsons to Njau primary School and secondly the chief was his father-in-law.

Matarr Jay Sawallo (the chief), Fatou Jay, Jaina Jay, Njanko Jay and Hincha Jay were from the same mother. Jaina Jay was the mother of Boury Jaina who was married to Madi Huma.

Unlike the chief of upper Saloum, the chief of lower Saloum, Barra Touray wanted to be so close to the great Marabout, Mam Sait Fatim. 

Chief Barra Touray heard of the great stories of Mam Sait Fatim, and he needed help with one of his wives who had been with him for a while without getting a baby, and he love her so much. He sent one of his security personnel to Mam Sait inviting him to Ballagharr village. Mam Sait accepted the invitation and chose one of his available days which was either Wednesday or Thursday and went to the chief. The chief welcome him so nicely by slaughtering a big ram for him, then narrated his concerns to the great Marabout. Mam Sait performed one of his nightly supplications to the Almighty Allah. The next day was Friday and he told chief Barra Touray that his wife would get a blessed child and departed for Panchang Serigne Sait. His wife (name withheld) conceived. Six days before the naming ceremony, the chief again sent one of his personnel to Mam Sait with the good news-a baby boy was born. This time he gave the chief an excuse and advise him to name the baby after ‘Serigne’. During the naming ceremony, his friend chief Cherno Baldeh and another Cherno came. He knew that ‘Seringe’ and ‘Cherno’ were the same. Wanting to please his two guesses, he named the baby after ‘Cherno’ with the intention of the name Mam Sait Fatim gave him, ’Serigne’. This child (name withheld) was blessed and later held a very high position in the government of The Gambia.

Sait Fatim was in Panchang Serigne Sait with so many friends, loved ones and disciples. Mam Samba Yama went with him, but later returned back to Panchang Sancha Taba. He established his ‘Dara’ there and dug a well on the Southside, about 300 meters from the village. They were drawing water from that well until 1967 when they started digging another one within the village which completed in 1968. Few years later, the chief Matarr Jay Sawalo sent someone to Sait Fatim and wanted him to come back to Panchang Sancha Taba, but mam Sait Fatim turned down the request. That attempt of reconciliation might have emanated from Mam Madi Huma because we were told that Mam Madi Huma was a friend of Mam Matarr Jay, the chief.

In July / August,1953 Mam Sait Fatim left Panchang Serine Sait to go for a pilgrimage in Mecca. 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 completed 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. They did not bury him in his village but was brought back to the Cemetery where his father was laid to rest in Panchang Sancha Taba. On their way to the cemetery, those who carried the body were tired and eventually stopped under one Mahogany tree to get a rest. That tree was seen by some people as a sacred tree and whenever they reached there, they must have stopped and removed a tread from their clothes and hang it on the tree. From that time up till recent years whenever somebody die, they must bring the body to the cemetery of Panchang Sancha Taba.

                Mam Gibel Adam (Niki Adam)

Mam Gibel Adam was a son of Mam Mamut Yassin and Mam Adam Mbass Saho. The word "Niki" is a Wolof word means like. (He was a wealthy man and his neighbors used to come to him for financial assistance; after telling him their problems, Mam Gibel Adam would tell them "Niki"; means wanting them to explain more or asking how they would pay him back if it’s going to be a loan). His mother was first married to Mam Musa Yassin, who was the elder brother of Mam Mamut Yassin and had Ali Adam, Jay Adam and Sait Adam; although some people do not believe that she ever got a child called Sait Adam. She was married to Mam Mamut Yassin when Mam Musa Yassin passed away. 

Mam Gibel was born at Panchang Sancha Taba and had started his basic Quranic education in his father's Dara in the same village. He later proceeded to another village with his brothers for higher education. While they were away, every year one or some of them would come home to visit their father, Mamut Yassin. One specific year Mam Gibel Adam came to visit his father; he found the compound so dilapidated that goats, sheep, and donkeys were entering the compound from all corners. He was unhappy. The next day, he went to the forest to fetch all the required materials in other to rebuild the fence of compound. Mam Gibel was diligent, humble, respectful and above all a tireless worker; he finally completed the work. His father was so happy that he told Mam Gibel not to return back the Quranic school for his services would be highly needed. Mam Mamut Yassin then wrote a letter to Mam Sait Fatim who was one of the mentors of Mam Gibel Adam informing him that, his brother Gibel Adam, would not be returning to the school. He told them that they would be more educated than him, but he would be the one whom they would all turn to when financial needs arise, meaning he would be a wealthy man. After reading their father's letter, they wondered how that could be happened. They continued their education in the "Dara" while Mam Gibel Adam was staying home with his father.

Time went by, their father passed away and they had all established their individual homes. Mam Gibel Adam went to Kerr Mamut Fanna while the rest of his brothers were staying in Panchang Sancha Taba. After some years, Mam Sait Fatim wrote a book and wanted to sell it. This book was given to each of his younger brothers to sell, but none of them could sell it. One-day Mam Gibel Adam came to visit his brother Mam Sait Fatim; unfortunately, he arrived late at night and waited until the following morning before trying to see his brother. Mam Gibel came to Mam Sait’s room early in the morning and greeted him. “When did you come Gibel”? Asked Sait Fatim. “Last night, it was too late for me to visit you as a result I waited until this morning”, replied Gibel Adam. After the usual conversation, Sait Fatim told him that he wrote a book which he wanted to sell; unfortunately, he gave it to everyone, but none could sell it. He wanted Gibel to go and sell it for him. As soon as Gibel step out of the compound, one Senegalese man arrived with a horse. The man asked if that was the compound of Serigne Sait Fatim and told them he needed one of his handwritten books. “This is the compound, and here is one of his written books for sale”, Replied Gibel. The bought the book with a double price and returned. When Gibel returned to Sait Fatim and told him that he had sold the book within that short moment, Mam Sait could not believe it. He called all the other brothers and asked if that book was not given to each of them and none could sell it; they replied in positive. Sait Fatim took out the letter which was written by their father Mamut Yassin and shown it to them again. "This shows that we are more educated than Gibel but he is luckier and more prosperous than us", said Mam Sait Fatim. He reminded them the work Gibel Adam had done for their father.

Mam Gibel Adam was a wealthy and a pious man, who helped the needy quite often. Most of his sons were sent to the Arabic schools and his girls were married to religious scholars. Mam Gibel Adam was well-known for growing crops, raising livestock and was very active in the transportation industry.   

 He went to Mecca many times and also sent most, if not all his sons to Mecca. His first pilgrimage was in 1946 and while in Mecca he had the intention of naming Mam Fatou Fanna and Mam Jabou Awa's babies after Ibrahima and Muhammed if they were male. Niki Adam returned home and found these ladies delivered baby boys but were unfortunately named after Madi Suka and Saikou Bah respectively. When he came and realized that they were born after his intention, he renamed them. That Madi Suka is known today as Alhagie Ibrahima Ceesay of Talinding and Saikou Bah as Alhagie Samba Ceesay. Instead of Muhammed, he was called Samba which was a nick name. Mam Gibel's second pilgrimage was in 1963 when he went with Mam Mamut Hincha. In 1964, Alhagie Samba, Alhagie mamut Haddy and Alhagie Ablie were sent to Mecca by their father. After two years, Alhagie Ibrahima Ceesay was sent for his pilgrimage; he went with Madi Jay and Ousman Fanna. 

Mam Niki Adam felt sick on Saturday and the following Saturday he passed away. That was in 1972. Alhagie Abdou Jay, a son of Alhagie Njoll Ceesay led the "Janaza" prayer. He was laid to rest in Kerr Mamut Fanna and after a period of time, seven trees were seen germinating around the grave. May his soul Rest in Peace.

                    Sheriff Yonus Huma

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

One day the Sheriff Came to Panchang Sancha Taba to visit Mam Mamut Yassin. He found Mam Mamut Yassin reading Surah Yonus from holy Quran and within few minutes his wife mam Huma Kalla, gave birth to baby boy. "I'm reading Surah Yonus, the Sheriff comes here, and my wife delivers a baby boy, I will name him after the Sheriff" Said Mamut Yassin. When he was about seven years old, his father wanted to send him to a Quranic school. He asked Mam Ali Khoja who was the father of Modou Mbombeh of Panchang Serigne Sait to take this child to his namesake before starting his education. (source: Musa Yassin Jr, Alh Ebou Ceesay Talinding) 

They left one early morning for Bangherr and arrived there few minutes before 2 pm.  When it was time to pray, Sheriff Yonus of Bangherr took the kettle and was performing his ablution at the back yard. He never wanted anybody to see his head, who ever saw it would die instantly. While he was at the back yard, the boy opened the door and wanted to ease himself, he saw the Sheriff wiping his head during his ablution. He automatically knew that the boy would die because he saw his head. He gave Mam Ali Khoja a needle, threads and white piece of cloth for burial and explained everything for him, then asked them to return to Panchang immediately. Mam Ali returned with the boy and explained their trip to Mam Mamut Yassin. (source: Musa Yassin Jr. Alh Ebou Ceesay Talinding)

Mam Mamut yassin accepted it in good faith. After few days, the child complained a headache and later passed away.

                        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