Isma'ila Idris

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 was the founder and inaugural chairman of the Ulama Council of JIBWIS, known as Izala.

Early life
Sheikh Isma'ila 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.

Career
In Kano, Sheikh Isma'ila studied Arabic under prominent scholars such as Sheikh Abubakar Gumi and Sheikh Hassan Khalil, both known for their anti-Sufism views. After completing his studies, he taught in Bauchi State but soon developed a desire to preach Islam more actively. He subsequently relocated to Kaduna, where he taught at Sultan Bello Mosque Primary School and began delivering sermons on Islam following Friday prayers. Concerned about societal moral decline, he joined the Nigerian Army as an imam to address social issues. Throughout his career as an army officer and Islamic scholar, he dedicated himself to promoting Islamic principles and advocating for social justice.

Formation of Izala
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.

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.

Death
Sheikh Ismaila Idris died on January 25, 2000, after a brief illness, having had four wives and nine children.