Profile: Sheikh Bala Musa Bojang of Gunjur

The sprawling western town of Gunjur is widely known for producing a remarkable number of prominent Islamic scholars. Among the most notable are Sheikh Hatab Bojang, Bun Jeng, Momodou Lamin Touray, Sidi Ali Janneh, and the late Modou Lamin Janneh, among others.

Less widely known, yet deeply revered for his vast knowledge and mastery of multiple Islamic disciplines, is Sheikh Bala Musa Bojang.

According to his son, Lamin Bojang, Sheikh Musa Bojang was born around 1945 to Alkali Bojang and Fatou Danso, though his exact date of birth remains unknown.

Sheikh Bala Musa Bojang is deeply revered for his vast knowledge and mastery of multiple Islamic disciplines

He began his early Qur’anic education under Faademba Jabang, and later studied with renowned teachers such as Kawsu Jatta and Famalang Bojang, among others.

Upon completing his studies under various scholars, Sheikh Musa Bojang was granted the blessing and authority to teach the Qur’an. Beyond teaching, he was also actively engaged in trade. He led a team of traders working under his uncle, Malanding Darboe. During this period, he frequently traveled on the MV Lady Wright, where he would teach fellow passengers—an activity his son described as both a passion and a calling.

The vessel itself holds historical significance. The twin-screw motorship Lady Wright was launched on June 28, 1949, from the shipyard of John Morris & Co. Ltd. in Gosport. It was named after the wife of Sir Andrew Wright, the then Governor of the colony of The Gambia. Commissioned by the Crown Agents for the Colonies, the vessel served as part of the government’s river transport system along the Gambia River.

In later years, Sheikh Musa Bojang expanded his Qur’anic teaching to students from across the country. He eventually left his trading career to dedicate himself fully to teaching, preaching, and community service. After many years of service, he retired from active teaching and public preaching.

Today, he lives a quiet life at home with his family, while continuing to receive visitors from far and wide who seek his wisdom and blessings.

Among his most distinguished students are Lamin J Darboe, Babu Bojang, Yakuba Bojang, Ousman Darboe of Unity express, Nfansu Matida Darbo, Eliman Joof, Fakebba Jammeh, Imam Saikou Singhateh of Saba and Mafuji Jammeh, Imam Ratib of Foni Bulanjour.