Isma'ila Idris
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Sheikh Isma'ila Idris | |
|---|---|
 Founder of Izala | |
| Born | 1937 Gwaskwaram, Bauchi |
| Died | January 25, 2000 Jos, Plateau State |
| Occupation(s) | Scholar and Teacher |
| Movement | Izala |
| Spouse(s) | Hafsat Yakubu, Asmau Iliyasu, Zainab Aliyu, and Suwaibah Abdullahi |
| Children | Basma, Nibras, Zubaida, Hassan, Raihanatu, Safwan, Jumanatu, Khuzaifa, Khuzaima, and Sinan |
| Parent(s) | Idris Zakariyya and Aishatu Idris |
Sheikh Isma'ila Idris (1937–2000), also known as Me Izala, was a Nigerian Islamic scholar and former millitary member with the rank of captain. He was the founder and inaugural chairman of the Ulama Council of JIBWIS, known as Izala.[1]
Early life[edit]
Sheikh Ismaila Idris was born in 1937 in Gwaskwaram, Bauchi State. His grandfather belonged to the Jahun tribe (Fulani) from Kano State, who later settled in Bauchi State. Almost all members of the Fulani tribe are adherents of Islam. Historically, several Fulani people joined Hausa groups, being the only other large predominately Muslim tribe. The Hausa moved into Nigeria, thus bringing Fulani from Niger and Chad into Nigeria. Engaged in cattle herding, his family adhered to traditional Fulani customs. Ismaila received his initial education from his father, Idris Zakariyya, a respected Islamic scholar, focusing on Quran recitation and classical Islamic texts on fiqh. Being interested in learning, Ismaila sought knowledge from renowned scholars in Bauchi and furthered his education at the School of Arabic Studies (SAS) in Kano.[1]
Career[edit]
In Kano, Sheikh Ismaila studied Arabic under prominent scholars like Sheikh Abubakar Gumi and Sheikh Hassan Khalil, known for their anti-Sufism views. Following his graduation, he taught in Bauchi State but felt that he wanted to preach Islam. He then moved to Kaduna, teaching at Sultan Bello Mosque Primary School, where he began preaching Islam after Friday prayers. Concerned about moral decline, he joined the Nigerian Army as an imam to address social issues. His career as an army officer and Islamic scholar was marked by efforts to promote Islamic principles and social justice.[2]
Formation of Izala[edit]
Sheikh Idris played a pivotal role in establishing the Izala movement, aimed at countering Sufi brotherhoods and providing a platform for politically inclined Muslims.
The organization, officially launched in Jos in 1978, sought to uphold Islamic values and principles. Despite his significant contribution, Sheikh Idris' role in Izala was often overshadowed by Sheikh Gumi's prominence.[2]
Moreover, many Muslims and non-Muslims still associate Izala primarily with Sheikh Gumi. However, Sheikh Mahmud Gumi acknowledges in his book "Where I Stand" that Sheikh Ismaila Idris deserves credit as the founder of Izala.[citation needed]
Death[edit]
Sheikh Ismaila Idris died on January 25, 2000, after a brief illness, having had four wives and nine children.[1]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Ramzi, Ben Amara (2012). "Shaykh Ismaila Idris (1937-2000), the Founder of the Izala movement in Nigeria" (PDF). Annual Review on Islam in Africa. 11: 74–78.
- ^ a b Sulaiman, Ibrahim (2018). "Ideas of Sheikh Isma'il Idris Bin Zakariyya: Legacy for Progressive Contemporary Islamic Movement". International Journal of Islamic Business & Management. 2 (2). Centre for Research on Islamic Banking & Finance Business, USA.
This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.
