Sheikh Isma'ila Idris Bin Zakariyya

Sheikh Ismail Idris Zakariyya was a renowned Nigerian Islamic scholar, teacher, and founder of the Izala Society. Born in 1937 in Gwaskwaram, Bauchi State, Nigeria, he hailed from the Jahun tribe, part of the Fulani ethnic group, known for its Islamic heritage.¹Sabitu Ahmed Abdullahi (Saksaje dan Fulatan)2025

Sheikh Zakariyya's early education began under his father, Idris Zakariyya, a respected Islamic scholar. He memorized the Quran and studied classical Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh). Later, he pursued advanced Islamic studies with scholars in Bauchi and enrolled at the School of Arabic Studies (SAS) in Kano.

His teachings emphasized the importance of adhering to the Sunnah and rejecting innovations (bid'ah) in Islamic practices. Sheikh Zakariyya was also a vocal critic of Sufism, which he believed had deviated from the original teachings of Islam.

In 1978, Sheikh Zakariyya established the Izala Society in Jos, Plateau State, with the goal of promoting Islamic reform and education. The organization quickly gained popularity and became one of the most influential Islamic reformist movements in Nigeria.

Sheikh Zakariyya's legacy continues to inspire and influence Islamic scholarship and education in Nigeria. He passed away on January 25, 2000, in Jos, leaving behind four wives and nine children.

Some of his notable teachings and ideas include:

- *Rejection of Innovations*: Sheikh Zakariyya emphasized the importance of rejecting innovations (bid'ah) in Islamic practices and adhering to the Sunnah.

- *Promoting Islamic Education*: He stressed the need for Islamic education and the importance of understanding the Quran and Hadith.

- *Social Reform*: Sheikh Zakariyya advocated for social reform and justice, encouraging Muslims to live according to Islamic principles.²