This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Zaria Massacre, a tragic event that has profoundly shaped the trajectory of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and the life of its leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky. On December 12, 2015, the Islamic Movement was brutally assaulted, with over a thousand followers, including the Sheikh’s family, killed by the Nigerian military. What was intended to silence the movement, crush its leader, and eliminate the perceived threat posed by Sheikh Zakzaky’s calls for justice and reform, has instead become a profound testament to the resilience of the human spirit and, most notably, to the intervention of Allah in the affairs of His servants.
Sheikh Zakzaky’s survival of the massacre defies the laws of natural expectation. He was shot multiple times, including a critical gunshot wound to hie eyes, and was presumed dead. His wife, Zeenah, was also gravely wounded, and the couple’s three sons tragically lost their lives before their eyes. Yet, a decade later, Sheikh Zakzaky remains alive and active in his mission, continuing to teach and lead his followers despite the grave physical toll inflicted upon him.
Sheikh Zakzaky’s survival is, beyond question, an extraordinary phenomenon that cannot be attributed to natural or medical explanations alone. His injuries were severe, and the medical care he received during his detention was minimal, with reports indicating that he was poisoned while in detention at the state security services. Given the extent of his wounds and the poison that coursed through his body, his continued life is, in essence, a living testimony to Allah’s protection. The inability of those who sought to end his life to succeed, despite their extensive efforts, underscores the fact that certain aspects of human existence are governed not by earthly forces, but by divine will.
The story of Sheikh Zakzaky is a modern-day manifestation of a well-established Islamic principle: that when Allah ordains something, it cannot be thwarted by the actions of men. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught his followers that hardship and suffering are part of the divine test in this life, yet they also carry a greater purpose, both in this world and the Hereafter. In the case of Sheikh Zakzaky, his survival despite seemingly insurmountable odds is a sign of his elevated status in the eyes of Allah and a demonstration of the unique role he is destined to play in the spiritual and political landscape of Nigeria and beyond.
It is important to recognize that Sheikh Zakzaky’s endurance is not merely a matter of personal resilience, but rather a symbol of the endurance of the ideals and principles he represents. As a leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Zakzaky advocates for justice, peace, and the protection of human dignity. His teachings are rooted in the Quranic concepts of justice, truth, and the rights of the oppressed, drawing inspiration from the lives of the Prophet Muhammad and his family, the Ahlul Bayt. Sheikh Zakzaky’s message emphasizes surrendering to the sovereignty of Allah, the need for a return to authentic Islamic principles that reject corruption, inequality, and oppression, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the rights and well-being of marginalized communities. His leadership continues to provide spiritual and moral guidance to millions of followers, inspiring them to remain dedicated to the cause of justice even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
However, Sheikh Zakzaky’s resilience goes beyond his ability to physically survive the massacre and the subsequent trials. His survival also speaks to the moral and spiritual strength he embodies, a strength that comes from a deep connection to the divine. Despite suffering the loss of his six sons and enduring physical and psychological torment, Sheikh Zakzaky has not only endured, but he has thrived in his mission. His continued commitment to his spiritual responsibilities, his role as a teacher and guide, and his steadfast faith in the eventual triumph of justice serve as an inspiration for his followers and an example of the profound spiritual strength that can be drawn from reliance on Allah alone.
In light of the tenth anniversary of the Zaria Massacre, it is imperative to reflect on the lessons that Sheikh Zakzaky’s story imparts. To his students, followers, and supporters, this is a time for introspection and rededication. The resilience of Sheikh Zakzaky is not merely a personal story; it is a collective experience that has implications for the entire Muslim community. His survival is a challenge to those who are complacent in the face of oppression and injustice. It is a reminder that, regardless of the forces arrayed against them, those who stand for truth, justice, and righteousness are ultimately under the protection of Allah.
For Sheikh Zakzaky’s students, this anniversary should serve as a moment to refocus their energies on the core principles of his teachings. His survival and continued work underscore the extraordinary nature of his scholarship and leadership. Scholars like him are rare, for they do not merely impart knowledge, they live by it, endure through it, and carry the burdens of their teachings in ways that few can truly understand. Sheikh Zakzaky’s teachings are not confined to the pages of books; they are reflected in the sacrifices he has made, the suffering he has endured, and the steadfastness with which he continues to lead.
Therefore, it is crucial that the students of Sheikh Zakzaky do not merely revere him from a distance. They must internalize the lessons he has imparted and live according to the principles he has advocated. Sheikh Zakzaky has shown them the path, not merely through words, but through his actions, his trials, and his perseverance. His students must continue to uphold the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Ahlul Bayt, while ensuring that their actions in the world reflect the profound moral and spiritual truths that he embodies.
The call to action is clear: Sheikh Zakzaky’s students must engage deeply with his teachings and apply them in their lives. They must not allow his sacrifices, his suffering, and his survival to be in vain. In a world where injustice is rampant, where the oppressed are often ignored, and where the voices of truth are systematically silenced, it is the duty of those who have benefited from Sheikh Zakzaky’s guidance to carry forward his mission of justice, peace, and righteousness.
In conclusion, the continued survival and leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky after the Zaria Massacre is not just a personal story of resilience, it is a clear demonstration of Allah’s protection and favor. It is a living reminder that the forces of oppression, no matter how powerful, are always subject to the will of Allah. Sheikh Zakzaky’s survival serves as a beacon of hope for those who continue to struggle for justice and truth in the face of adversity. His example is one that calls all of us to act with courage, to seek justice with unwavering faith, and to trust in the divine wisdom that governs all affairs.
As we mark this solemn anniversary, let us remember that true victory lies not in the elimination of the oppressors, but in the steadfastness of those who remain loyal to the path of righteousness, no matter the trials they may face. The story of Sheikh Zakzaky is a story of survival against all odds, a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.
May Allah continue to protect Sheikh Zakzaky, grant him strength and success in his mission, and may His guidance inspire all of us to pursue truth and justice in every aspect of our lives.
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©13/12/2025
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