Samba Ndiogou Ba has passed away: A moving tribute from his son, Oumar Ngalla Ba

Collapsed in the midst of the fervor of the Mawlid celebration in Yoff Diamalaye, this devoted figure of the Layene community leaves behind the memory of a man of pious humility. His son, Oumar Ngalla Ba, pays him a moving tribute.

The Layene community is plunged into grief following the passing of Samba Ndiogou Ba, a committed and highly respected figure in the movement. Once described as a true "soldier" by the late Khalif Elhadj Abdoulaye Thiaw Lahi, this devoted member collapsed during a spiritual gathering in Yoff Diamalaye, while fulfilling his duty to the community.

Active from the very beginning in the preparations for religious chants and the organization of the dahiras, Samba Ndiogou Ba participated in the celebrations of the blessed night of Mawlid until its very last moments. Dressed in a large white boubou, he occupied his place as a leader amidst the faithful gathered facing the ocean, to the rhythm of the praises and the sound of the waves.

It was during this moment of collective fervor that he was struck by a sudden illness. Despite the rapid intervention and professionalism of the emergency services on site, his death was pronounced shortly afterwards.

On the orders of the General Khalif of the Layene, Samba Ndiogou Ba was buried that same night, in front of all the faithful gathered together, in the very heart of the sacred abode of the Mahdi.

The touching tribute from his son, Oumar Ngalla Ba

In the aftermath of this sudden passing, his son Oumar Ngalla Ba wanted to express all the pain, but also the pride and noble emotion that animates the family in the face of this blessed departure.

He first spoke about the immoderate love his father had for the Holy Quran.

“I recall with deep emotion your unwavering devotion to the Holy Book, the Noble Qur'an, which earned you the evocative nickname Pa Kamil. You were a man of great humility, discreet, always available and courteous. Your open-mindedness was matched only by your unshakeable loyalty to your values and your faith.”

Speaking of the departure of his uncle (baay Mbay Laay) before him, Oumar Ngalla Ba emphasizes the spiritual beauty of the circumstances of this disappearance.

“Just like your brother (Baay Mbay Laay) before you, you departed on tiptoe, walking serenely towards your celestial destiny. Although your passing was sudden and painful, it remains imbued with infinite divine grace. You had the singular privilege of calling your soul back to God during the blessed night of Mawlid, celebrating the birth of the illustrious and beloved Prophet (PBUH), the finest of humanity,” wrote Oumar Ngalla Ba.

Upon learning the sad news while he was away, the deceased's son confided that he felt a singular feeling in the face of the privilege of such a call to God.

“You were not only a father to me, you were a dear friend with whom I shared this sacred love of the Quran. When the news of your passing reached me from the blessed land of Choukory, a feeling imbued with noble envy overwhelmed me. What a privilege to leave this world in circumstances that so foreshadow the salvation, peace, and grace of Allah the Almighty.”

Also conveying the fervent prayers of Maam Borom Darou Nooreyni, a very dear friend of the deceased, Oumar Ngalla Ba praised the remarkable strength of his mother who was able to support this great servant of the faith through all the trials of life:

"To you, great and faithful soldier of Chérif Abdoulaye Thiaw Laye, know that the entire Layene community holds you in immense pride. You leave an immeasurable void in the hearts of your children and your loving wife, who, with admirable kindness and strength, stood by your side through the vicissitudes of this life."

He concluded his final prayer with the hope of seeing his father welcomed at the banquet of the pious.

"May your soul rest in peace in eternal light, beside your guide and spiritual teacher, Seydina Limamou Laye, Baay Laye (Alayhi Salam)."