Draft:Sheikh Ismaila Idris Ibn Zakariyya

Sheikh Isma'ila Idris (1937–2000), also known as Me Izala, was a Nigerian Islamic scholar and former military officer with the rank of captain. He is known as the founder and first chairman of the Ulama Council of JIBWIS, which is referred to as Izala.

Early life
Sheikh Ismaila Idris was born in 1937 in Gwaskwarom, Bauchi State. His grandfather hailed from the Jahun tribe (Fulani), originally from Kano State, now situated in Jigawa State, and migrated with the family to Bauchi State. Engaged in cattle herding, they upheld the traditional Fulani way of life. Ismaila's father, Idris Zakariyya, served as an esteemed Islamic scholar, imam, and community preacher. Under his father's tutelage, Ismaila received his initial education, which included Quran recitation and the study of classical Islamic texts on fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). Showing a natural inclination towards learning, Ismaila was drawn to books and sought knowledge from a young age. At fifteen, he ventured to Bauchi to deepen his understanding of Islam, studying under renowned scholars like Sheikh Mai Daji, Sheikh Kamsurawa, and Muhammad Bello. These mentors imparted not only knowledge of Islamic theology but also proficiency in the Arabic language. Concurrently, Ismaila served as a teacher in a local government institution in Bauchi. In 1963, he embarked on a new chapter in his educational journey by relocating to Kano to enroll in the esteemed School of Arabic Studies (SAS), furthering his studies in Islamic disciplines.

In Kano, Sheikh Ismaila pursued Arabic studies under the guidance of Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi and Sheikh Hassan Khalil, both known for their anti-Sufism ideologies. Following his graduation, he secured a teaching position in Bauchi State. However, this role didn't align with his life's purpose of spreading and teaching Islam. Thus, he left Bauchi for Kaduna, where he accepted a teaching position at Sultan Bello Mosque Primary School, which operated under the auspices of Jama'atu Nasril Islam, (JNI). In Kaduna, Sheikh Ismaila found the opportunity to fulfill his dream of preaching Islam. He began addressing congregations after Friday prayers in various mosques, including Kawo Mosque, Doka Mosque, and notably, Sultan Bello Mosque, along with occasional talks in army barracks. When reports surfaced that Kakuri Mosque was being transformed into a "beer parlour" without any intervention, Sheikh Idris felt compelled to take action. He decided to join the Nigerian Army as an imam, a move that was successful upon his application..

His Career as an Army and Islamic Scholar
Sheikh Idris served as the chief Imam of the 1st Division in Kakuri Barracks, Kaduna. His seniors recognized him for his radical approach to preaching, which often led to attempts to reassign him to teaching soldier's children at primary school—a role he found discomforting. Despite this, he continued preaching to the townsfolk outside the barracks, resulting in punishment and a transfer to Ibadan, where the Muslim population was sparse. Besides leading prayers, Sheikh Idris mediated disputes among Muslim soldiers. In Ibadan, he condemned the practice of junior soldiers paying money to their superiors, earning him a reputation as a troublemaker. His outspoken criticism extended to local religious practices, causing tensions between the Imam and the congregation. After three months, he was moved to Kontagora, Niger State, where his preaching drew crowds, prompting the establishment of a Friday mosque in the barracks, leading to conflicts with local authorities and a dispute with a Sufi imam. Despite being demoted, Sheikh Gumi mediated a reconciliation, leading the Sufi Imam to join Sheikh Idris' camp, marking a significant religious and political victory. Transferred to Jos, he faced scrutiny from Major Alhassan due to past troubles. Despite restrictions on preaching in places lacking mosques, Sheikh Idris continued his activities, gaining followers among the Tijjani Sufi brotherhood. Attempts to transfer him failed, and he successfully established a network of followers, culminating in the formation of the Izala Society organization in 1978.

Formation of Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’a Wa’ iqamatus Sunna (Society for Removal of Islamic Innovation and Re-establishment of the Sunna of the Prophet) (JIBWIS) Nigeria
Many argued that the establishment of the JIBWIS organization aimed to safeguard Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, who stood against Sufi brotherhoods individually. Sheikh Idris played a pivotal role, turning the organization into a barrier against Sufism. In a broader context, politically inclined Muslims sought alternative channels to express their political fervour, thus gravitating towards religious organizations. The organization was officially launched in Jos on February 8, 1978. To prepare for its establishment, a seven-member committee was formed, which included Sheikh Ismaila Idris, Alhaji Ibrahim Musalla, Alhaji Musa Muhammad, Alhaji Husseini, Alhaji Sabo, and Mallam Tanimu Aliyu. Naming the organization was the committee's initial concern. While Alhaji Musalla proposed "Jama’at al-Birr wa’l-Taqwa" (Society for Welfare and Fear of God), Sheikh Ismaila Idris suggested "Jama’at Izalatul Bid’a" (Society for the Removal of Innovation). Sheikh Gumi, upon hearing the suggestions, questioned what should be established if the goal was to combat innovation, to which he added "wa-Iqamatus Sunna" (and the establishment of the Sunnah). Thus, the Izala movement emerged and was officially registered as an Islamic organization by the federal Ministry of Internal Affairs on December 11, 1985.

Moreover, even today, many Muslims and non-Muslims still associate Izala primarily with Sheikh Gumi. The contribution of Sheikh Ismaila Idris, the mastermind behind Izala, appears to be underappreciated. However, according to Sheikh Mahmud Gumi in his published book "Where I Stand," he states that the credit for founding Izala belongs to Sheikh Ismaila Idris, not himself.

Death
Sheikh Ismaila Idris passed away on January 25, 2000, after a short illness, marking a mournful day for the Muslim ummah. He is survived by four wives and nine children.