Serigne Mouhamadou Lamine Bara Mbacké: The Son Born in Touba (1891–1936)
Born in the holy city
Serigne Mouhamadou Lamine Bara Mbacké was born in Touba on the 28th of Jumada 1309 AH, corresponding to December 29, 1891. He was the third son of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba.
His birth holds a unique place in Mouride history: he is the only one of Serigne Touba’s children to have been born in Touba itself, at a time when the city had only just been founded by the Cheikh. His life was bound to the holy city from its very first days.
He is the father of the late Khalife Serigne Sidy Moukhtar Mbacké, and the namesake of the late Khalife Serigne Bara Fallilou Mbacké.
An orphan surrounded by love
His mother, Sokhna Aminata Lô, was also the mother of Cheikh Mouhamadou Moustapha Mbacké, the first Khalife of Serigne Touba, making the two men full brothers.
Sokhna Aminata Lô passed away only six months after his birth. The infant was then entrusted to Sokhna Awa Bousso, the mother of Serigne Fallou Mbacké, who raised him with great affection alongside her own son.
A life devoted to knowledge
Serigne Bara received his first education from Serigne Ndame Abdourahmane Lô, the same master who taught the Holy Quran to his brothers. He then continued his religious studies with his uncle, Mame Thierno Ibrahima (Ibra Faty) Mbacké, the younger brother of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba.
It is reported that his first years of study were difficult because of a hearing impairment. This never stopped him. Through patience and determination, he completed his education and mastered the Quran and the religious sciences.
He became one of the sons of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba who copied the Holy Quran by hand the most times. He is also remembered as a mystic of great renown, whose prayers were known to be answered.
A man of gentleness and devotion
All who knew him spoke of his gentleness, his generosity, his fine character and his deep devotion to God. He was firmly committed to following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
An educator ahead of his time
Serigne Bara devoted his life to the education of young people. He was also known for urging all parents to give their daughters a religious education, at a time when this was far from common.
His commitment to teaching can be seen in the life of his namesake, Serigne Bara Fallilou Mbacké, son of Serigne Fallou. When this child was born, Serigne Fallou entrusted him to Serigne Bara, who taught him the Quran and calligraphy. That student later became the sixth Khalife général of the Mourides, from 2007 to 2010.
His family and legacy
His son, Serigne Sidy Moukhtar Mbacké, was born on July 11, 1924, in Mbacké Kajoor. He became the seventh Khalife général of the Mourides and led the community from 2010 until his passing in 2018.
Return to God
After a full life, Serigne Mouhamadou Lamine Bara Mbacké returned to God in 1936, at the age of 45, in Mbacké Kajoor (Cayor). He rests in Touba, the city where he was born, and his mausoleum is located in the cemetery of Touba.