Isma'il bn Zakariyya

Sheikh Isma'ila Idris (1937–2000), also known as Me Izala, was a Nigerian Islamic scholar, teacher, and former military officer. He was the founder and inaugural chairman of the Izala Society (officially Jama'atu Izalatil Bid'ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah), an organization aimed at promoting Islamic reform and countering what it viewed as un-Islamic innovations in practice.

Early life and education Isma'ila Idris was born in 1937 in Gwaskwaram, a town in Bauchi State, Nigeria. He hailed from the Jahun tribe, part of the Fulani ethnic group, known for its Islamic heritage. His family was engaged in cattle herding and adhered to traditional Fulani customs.

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

Formation of Izala In 1978, Idris established the Izala Society in Jos, Plateau State, with the goal of promoting adherence to the Sunnah and opposing innovations (bid'ah) in Islamic practices. The organization quickly became one of the most influential Islamic reformist movements in Nigeria, attracting followers nationwide.

While Idris played a pivotal role in founding Izala, his contributions were sometimes overshadowed by the influence of Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, who also supported the movement. Despite this, Idris' leadership was instrumental in shaping Izala's early direction and establishing its ideological foundation.

Death Sheikh Isma'ila Idris died on January 25, 2000, in Jos after a brief illness. He was survived by his four wives and nine children. His legacy continues through the Izala Society, which remains active in promoting Islamic reform and education.

Legacy The Izala Society, under the leadership of Idris and his successors, has become a significant voice in Nigeria's Islamic community. It continues to advocate for religious education, social reform, and adherence to Islamic teachings.