Intellectuals of Khadara Malikiya 2/3: Serigne Pope Makhtar Kébé, the apostle of Tijaniyya

In August 2023, the Islamic University of Minnesota (United States of America) had the honor of awarding the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa to the distinguished professor, the Senegalese Islamic scholar Dr. Pape Makhtar Kébé, for his "great services rendered to the Arabic language and its sciences," according to a source based on a letter from the American academic institution addressed to the recipient.

It is a tradition at this university to honor religious and scientific figures, as well as individuals who, through their efforts, advance thought, Islam, and humanity, the institution of higher learning noted. The Islamic University of Minnesota praised Pape Makhtar Kébé's "remarkable contribution" to the promotion of the Arabic language and Islamic culture.

“In recognition of your services to scientific research, Islam, and brotherhood in Senegal, the Islamic University of Minnesota, with its Senegalese branch, has decided to award you an honorary doctorate,” the academic institution announced. The recipient of the honor declared, “I thank God for this honorary title, and I dedicate it to Senegal, to the daaras (Koranic schools), and to education.” He also urged his compatriots to prioritize the pursuit of knowledge. He observed that money, by encouraging young people to acquire knowledge to develop their country, “is too prevalent in the lives of Senegalese people, to the detriment of learning.”

Lecturer and educator, key figure in the scientific activities of the Hadara Malikiyya in Tivaouane

Actively involved in the Zawiya Tijaniyya Cell (CEZAT), where he works for the communication and dissemination of the teachings of Seydil Hadji Malick Sy (Maodo), Serigne Pape Makhtar Kébé, an eminent Senegalese Islamologist, lecturer and key figure in the scientific animation of the Hadara Malikiyya in Tivaouane, regularly hosts, among other spiritual activities, religious talks, broadcasts and programs dedicated to Islam, Sufism and the Tijani Way (especially during the Burd periods or on the channels of the religious city).

Considered a major voice in the transmission of Mame Maodo's thought, a leading figure of the Hadara, the solemn voice of Tivaouane, and an immeasurable presence, Dr. Pape Makhtar Kébé frequently speaks on ethics, spirituality, and the crisis of values. He is portrayed as a true apostle of the Tijaniyya order, a man open to the world yet deeply rooted in the Tijani tradition, an illustrious scholar whose intelligence, charisma, diplomacy, and eloquence have earned him widespread acclaim. He is a jurist who earned his Master of Laws degree in Cairo and Alexandria.

Pape Makhtar is the son of Hadj Malick Kébé, known as the twin of "Balkhawmi" and Sokhna Oumou Khaïry Niang. It was his father who wrote "tawdal jalalati." Hadj Malick Kébé is the son of Makhtar Kébé, himself the son of Asta Sy, daughter of Makhtar Penda Sy, son of Tafsir Demba Bouna Sy. Makhtar Penda is the brother of Mame Ousmane Sy, father of Sheikh Seydil Hadj Malick Sy. Asta Sy, his grandmother, is the sister of Arame Bonko Sy, mother of Safiétou Niang, who is herself the mother of Dabakh Malick. Mame Makhtar is therefore not merely a spokesperson within the family. He is a worthy son of the Sy family, like the Kébé scholars, such as Professor Abdoul Aziz Kébé.

Pape Makhtar Kébé's grandfather had two sons, Al Hadj Malick Kébé and Hadj Khalifa Kébé, who was Shamss'dín of the Tijaniyya Zawiya in Thiès. A man steeped in knowledge and cardinal values, a perfect embodiment of wisdom and learning.