The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Yaqoub Zakzaky

was born on 15th Sha'aban 1372 (which corresponds to May, 1953) in Zaria, Kaduna
State, Nigeria.

His parents were Qur'anic scholars, who engaged in its exegesis. At the same
time, they employed farming as a means of livelihood. Therefore, Sheikh Zakzaky
started learning (and memorizing) the Quran at very early age from his father.

While still learning the Quran under his father, he also attended another
Quranic school at his neighborhood making it a bidirectional learning hence.
However, he also accompany his father alongside his brothers to the farm to give a
helping hand.

It is a laid down principle in Sheikh Zakzaky's family that a child should first
memorize the Quran by heart before being allowed to learn other Islamic books from
other learned scholars. The Sheikh memorized the holy Quran at 14 and soon after
that he began to learn other Islamic books from his father, his mother and other well
learned scholars in his hometown, Zaria.

At his teen age, Sheikh Zakzaky mastered various aspects of Arabic grammar,
Elocution, Jurisprudence, Quranic exegesis and etcetera. He was barely 20 when he
already master the books commonly in use in the then Hausa community like
Ajuruma, Murha, Saja'i, Alfiyan Danmaliki and others related to Arabic literature
like Ishriniya, Witiriya, Ashariya and even Makamatul Hariri and Shu'ara'ul
Jahiliyya. In addition, In terms of the jurisprudence of Maliki school of thought, the
Sheikh has already mastered Muktasar at that early age.

In 1969 (when he was 16 years of age), the Sheikh having mastered the Quran
and at the same time engaged in learning various books from different scholars, he
was enrolled into Zaria Provincial School where he started to learn Arabic literature.
He successfully completed the program in 1971, two years later, after which he then
moved to School For Arabic Studies (SAS) in Kano, from 1971 to 1975.

The students at SAS were then trained to become teachers, who were to teach
Arabic and other Islamic courses at a better standard in high institutions. But there
was a separate and optional program "The Advance Level" so called, in which the

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trainees where taught extra lessons in the evening; and through which when
successfully passed a person can apply for undergraduate studies in University.

The Sheikh enrolled himself into the program at will, where he studied
English literature, Economics, Government, Hausa, Arabic and Islamic Studies.

After he graduated, the Sheikh sat for 'Grade II Certificate' examination while
at a similar time also sat for the other special courses he undertook (those of advance
level) during his stay at SAS. He therefore wrote two different examinations almost
at the same time, the results of which came out shortly after and the Sheikh passed
both with flying colors.

The result of the 'Advance Level' examination was released in 1976 which
gave the Sheikh a well deserved chance for a direct entry into Ahmadu Bello
University (ABU) Zaria. He started studying Economics, Government and
Sociology. He however- due to the fact that the Sheikh was more exceptional in
Economics- later, pursued his 4 years undergraduate career in Economics which he
completed in 1979.

All these said, the Sheikh conclusively therefore obtained western education-
from the beginning till undergraduate study- within the timeframe of just nine years.

- The Beginning of Islamic Movement In University:

In the late 70s, the Sheikh -owing to his devotion to Islam and religious zeal- found
himself as a member of one religious association which was then called Muslim
Students Society (MSS). He was- due to his trustworthiness- in a short period of
time, made Secretary General of the association in ABU chapter. Later, he was
elected the national Vice Chairman of the association, who is in charge of overseeing
international affairs.

At that time, there was a conflict of opinion on which ideological system

should the country best empoy to enjoy social justice? There was a hot debate over
the issue- with people having different viewpoints- especially in Universities where
the people were categorized into three groups; each one holding onto its ideology:

1- The Communists: Majority of the students and lecturers who were then considered
civilized and sophisticated, were of the opinion that communism is the answer. They

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were also critics of religion which according to them was simply meant to rule over
people.

They condemn Islam by citing example with the numerous acts of terrorism
that colors the leadership of Banu Umayyah and Banul Abbas Clans as well as other
emirs and kingdoms that ruled in history. They also cited examples with the many
atrocities of other Hausa traditional Emirs. The communist, using propaganda as a
tool, tried their best to show that all what the Emirs, kingdoms and Clans committed
is the teaching of Islam. They therefore hold that Islam will never bring justice to
the society. They even went on to assert that Islam was only dominant because at the
time (of the holy prophet) people were not civilized.

2- Federation of Christian Students (FCS): The Christian Students were the second
category. They were of the opinion that there should be no change in the system
governing the country at that moment. A secular system of government is indeed
what a country like Nigeria needs. And according to them, there is a difference
between life and religion. While religion is between man and his God, life is between
man and himself. They therefore support secularism as the best system through
which justice will be ensured in the society.

They also shared a similar view with the communists that the many atrocities
the traditional emirs, kingdoms and clans committed is the teaching of Islam.

3- Muslim Students Society (MSS): Sheikh Zakzaky however hold a different

viewpoint that the allegation by the communists and FCS against Islam is false. He
therefore organized numerous lecture sessions devonking the many lies of the
communists and Christians. He educated people that religion is a divine message
from God and that people's action may sometimes be at per with Islamic teaching.
The crimes committed by those Emirs and various kingdoms is far from Islamic
teaching, the Sheikh highlighted. It is therefore not Islam.

Sheikh Zakzaky on his part cited example with the holy prophet (S) and his
just leadership. He also stressed- to the university students- that Islam is the only
system that will ensure justice in the society. From there onward, he started calling
people to Islam, and the need to establish it as a system that will govern over the
affairs of the people.

Sheikh Zakzaky devoted his time explaining to the students and lecturers that
Islam is a complete life code for mankind. It is a religion and at the same time an
ideology. And it is based on justice, sound proof and knowledge. Sheikh Zakzaky
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therefore hold that Islam is the answer to the debated issue. The best system of justice
for the country. There will be no justice without Islam.

Sheikh Zakzaky did his assignment through organizing lectures,

admonishment during IVC (Islamic vacation course) sessions, writing articles and
etc.

Soon the University's authority has its eyes on the Sheikh and all those who
are with him on his cause. Before this, the authority used to have eyes on the
communists, who they considered a threat to the country's system of government.
They were therefore demoted, put on probation or their results withheld, to make
sure they don't make it out. As such, their opinions and idea dies right there in the
University with them.

But as soon as those in authority heard about Sheikh Zakzaky, who is not only
challenging the communists and FSC but also calling people to Islam, he alongside
his collagen were considered the newer prime targets. The school authority therefore
failed them deliberately in examinations, and even expel others from the school.
When all these failed, security operatives started jailing whoever believes in Sheikh
Zakzaky's idea.

At a similar time, Sheikh Zakzaky was writing his final examination in the
University. He was arrested for his prime role in the religious struggle they were
engaged in doing those days. He wrote only one paper out of the five he was
supposed to write, and was put behind cell till the examination was completed. After
they were released several days later, the other papers were brought to him. The
school authority were perhaps thinking that the Sheikh could not be able to attempt
it, but to their surprise he passed all with flying colors. They therefore withhold the
result. To this very date, forty years after, ABU has not issued Sheikh Zakzaky his
degree certificate.

- After Graduating From The University:

Sheikh Zakzaky continued his struggle for the establishment of an Islamic system.
Since 1979, there have been a well established and accepted idea of returning to
Islam deeply rooted in the minds of students in Universities, which is not yet known
to the rest of the people.

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It was amidst all these that the world shockingly witnessed the Islamic Revolution
of Iran on February, 1979. That a particular Islamic scholar called people to Islam,
struggled for several years, destroy a system of anarchy and imperialism and
establish an Islamic system of government, was unbelievable at that moment. Until
when Ayatollah Khomeini (QS) proved the world wrong. This therefore gladdens
the Sheikh's heart and that of his followers and gave them a new confidence that
what they have started is all but possible, if they continue to struggle.

The Islamic Revolution of Iran at that moment gave a clear answer to those
who were of the opinion that Islam will never rise again to govern the affairs of
mankind.

- After the Islamic Revolution of Iran:

Sheikh Zakzaky visited Iran in 1980, a year after the Islamic revolution. He was
opportuned to met with Imam Khomeini (QS) in his sickbed. Imam (QS) delivered
a short lecture to them which Sheikh Zakzaky recorded. This also strucked in the
Sheikh another confidence that the establishment of an Islamic system of
government is feasible.

Upon his return from Iran, the Sheikh organized lectures in various
Universities where he told the gathering about his visit to Iran and what surprised
him with the people of Iran- their willpower to stage the Islamic Revolution. He
started from University of Lagos, he then went to University of Ibadan, Ilorin, Jos,
Maiduguri, Kano, Sokoto and other universities across Nigeria. He also delivered a
similar lecture in ABU where thousands of people attended from afar, just to listen
to the Sheikh.

- Funtua Declaration:

During the nascent years of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, the followers of the
Sheikh in Universities- although the Sheikh has already graduated then- used to
organize among themselves such gatherings like IVCs, seminars and etc. it is during
one of such gatherings, on 5th of May 1980, the Sheikh declared his call to the public
in Funtua, Katsina State.

It was right there that the Sheikh declared his total condemnation to the system
of imperialism that governs Nigeria, and reassures his allegiance to Almighty (T),
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His prophet (S) and the holy Quran. He declared his call for the people to return to
the path of Almighty, with Quran as a legal code. The lecture was henceforth termed
"The Funtua Declaration".

- The First Procession:

The first procession that was observed in the history of the Islamic Movement in
Nigeria was on April 1980. After the Islamic Revolution in Iran, America hatched a
vicious plan to rescue its consulates being held captive inside the American Embassy
in Iran. The plan was to destroy Iran in the process. But Almighty granted victory to
the Iranians at the end and the plan went astray.

Sheikh Zakzaky and his followers therefore staged a peaceful procession in

Zaria showing their happiness and gratitude to Almighty for foiling America's plan.
This is the first ever procession in the history of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

It was after this procession that in early May 1980 Sheikh Zakzaky made his
declaration in Funtua. After which another procession with the slogan- and populaly
known as- "ISLAM ONLY" was staged. It is therefore the second in history but the
most well known.

The "ISLAM ONLY" procession was also staged on May 1980 in Zaria with
a handful of brothers in attendance, holding placards with the inscription of the aim
of the procession. That is, the need for the establishment of an Islamic system in
Nigeria. The words "ISLAM ONLY" was also written on walls, which stayed for
several years after before it fades away.

So many people were amazed by the procession. They considered the aim of
the procession as something that can never be realized. That, the establishment of an
Islamic system is not possible in Nigeria. They therefore considered the Sheikh and
his followers as those dissociated from the reality. But yes, the procession does
showed that some set of people are now determined to establish an Islamic system
in the country.

Procession is one of the many ways the movement has been employing in
propagating its message to the people. Today, the Islamic Movement observes Quds,
Ashura and Maulud processions as well established and standard phenomena. It also
joins the world in marking various other processions that may arise- in support of or
condemnation- in Islamic community.
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- The Coming to Understand Ahlul Bayt (as) School of Thought:

Albeit there is no clear record of exactly when did the Sheikh started following the
Ahlul bayt (as) school of thought, but Shiism was prominently noticed among the
members of the Islamic Movement around 1995. This said, however in 1994, some
of the followers of the Sheikh shunned the struggle on the account that they can not
become Shiites.

What is more important is that, Sheikh Zakzaky has never call for sectarianism
or certain idealism, but rather Sheikh Zakzaky is calling people to Islam and the need
for it to govern over the affairs of mankind, the need for the people to rise against
oppressors who are looters of public treasury and servants of western imperialism.

Although a majority of the Sheikh's disciples are followers of Ahlul bayt (as)
school of thought, but this does not deter other people from different school of laws
like Sufism and other Sunni orders to become his followers as well. Not only that,
among the followers of Sheikh Zakzaky today there are Christians who are ready to
fight against tyranny and injustice.

- The War Against The Islamic Movement:

A year after the "ISLAM ONLY" procession, on May 1981 Sheikh Zakzaky attended
a program in Sokoto where he delivered lecture on Islam and the need for people to
return to it. Immediately after the program, the Sheikh was arrested alongside other
few brothers. They were arraigned before court and sentenced to 3 years in jail
without been granted the right to speak to their lawyers. This was during the time of
the then President of Nigeria, Shehu Shagari. As such the Sheikh and those arrested
were innocently jailed for 3 years from May 1981 to May 1984.

Sheikh Zakzaky was still in jail when Buhari staged a coup against Shagari,
hence becoming the new president. The Sheikh was therefore released during
Buhari's military dictatorship and was rearrested six month later when Buhari was
power drunken and arresting whoever he feels threatened by his activities or
influence among the people.

Buhari arrested Sheikh Zakzaky in December 1984, when the Sheikh was
newly married. The Sheikh's first child, Muhammad, was therefore born when
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Sheikh Zakzaky was still in Buhari's jail. He (Buhari) however failed to provide
reason for the arrest, save for a so called security reasons (just as Buhari is now
holding the Sheikh under the pretext of the same absurd reason). The Sheikh was
released in August 1985, after spending almost 9 months in illegal detention, when
Buhari was ousted from power.

Sheikh Zakzaky spent the next two years without being arrested, while
continuing with the struggle, until when General Babangida came into power and
detained him for two years under the pretext of a conflict that occurred in Kafanhan.
He sent for the Sheikh to be arrested and arraigned before a High Court in Abuja
which ordered the detention. The Sheikh has been jailed in numerous prisons within
the two years timeframe which lasted from May 1987 to 1989.

All those unwarranted arrests and detentions from the authority was a ploy to
suppress the Islamic Movement and exterminate its leader Sheikh Zakzaky. He
however, was never cowed to the least, the struggles continued when he is released;
and whenever in detention, his followers continue with all their programs as usual.
To the dismay of those in authority, people support the Sheikh in multitude whenever
he came out of their illegal detention.

In 1991, Babangida again arrested the Sheikh in Aminu Kano International

Airport when he was on his way to attend one international conference in London.
The Sheikh was however released not five days after the arrest.

From 1991 the Sheikh was not arrested until in 1996 when General Sani
Abacha was in power. He detained the Sheikh for 2 years and 3 months from 1996
to 1999. The Sheikh's crime was that he said; "THERE IS NO AUTHORITY
EXCEPT THAT OF ALMIGHTY". After the death of Sani Abacha, the Sheikh was
released when Abdussalam Abubakar was the acting President.

The Sheikh's followership skyrocketed from thousands to millions after

Abacha's arrest. Although successive administrations like that of Umaru Musa Yar
Adua and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, have each tried their best to clamp down on the
Islamic Movement and assasinate Sheikh Zakzaky which Almighty, the exalted,
always foiled their plans.

But in July 2014 the Nigerian army opened fire on peaceful pro Palestinians
procession in Zaria, where they killed 34 followers of the Sheikh including his 3
biological children, Ahmad, Hameed and Mahmud.

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 In December 2015, Buhari's civilian administration attacked the Sheikh in his
residence after killing 3 more of his children (Hammad, Haidar and Humaid) and
over a thousand of his followers. He was severely shot and whisked alongside his
wife Zeenah into an illegal detention for almost four years. Over hundred of his
followers have been killed in various protests calling for his release.

Sheikh Zakzaky has been jailed in various prisons across the country. During
the military dictatorship of Olusegun Obasanjo, he was detained behind cells for
weeks in Zaria. Shehu Shagari detained the Sheikh in Enugu. Buhari detained the
Sheikh in Kirikiri prison in Lagos during his military dictatorship. Babangida in Port
Harcourt prison, Abacha in Port Harcourt and Kaduna, and now civilian Buhari in
Abuja and Kaduna.

- Conclusion:

It is almost four decades since the Sheikh started this call, and he now has over 20
million followers in Nigeria and other neighboring countries. He is currently a global
phenomenon whose reputation traverses every nook and cranny of the world
especially after the 2015 Massacre in Zaria.

Sheikh Zakzaky is married to Zeenah Ibraheem, his only wife. They are
blessed with nine children altogether, Muhammad, Nusaibah, Ahmad, Hamid,
Suhailah, Mahmud, Hammad, Haidar Ali and Humaid, among of which six were
martyred. The two ladies and Muhammad, who is already married and blessed with
a son Nadirul Husain, are still alive.

The Sheikh is being called “Sayyid” because he is a Sharif, a grandson of the

holy prophet Muhammad (S) through the lineage of Imam Hassan Al Mujtaba (AS).

Long live Sheikh Zakzaky and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

By:
The Institute for Compilation and Publication of Shaikh Zakzaky’s Work.
Email: cibiyarwallafa@gmail.com
July, 2019