By Shamsiyya Mohammed Hassan
The leader of the Islamic movement in Nigeria, otherwise known as Shi’ites, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky has launched an autobiography titled ‘Rayuwata’, which translates to “My Life” in English.
The launching which took place at Sheikh Zakzaky’s Abuja residence on Saturday had several dignitaries of the movement in attendance.
In his remarks, Sheikh Zakzaky mentioned what motivated him to write the autobiography, saying: “I mentioned briefly (in the book’s preface) that this book is the result of deep reflection that came to us while we were detained after the incident named the ‘Buhari Massacre’ (in Zaria). We saw that Allah (SWT) spared our lives, as their intention was purely to kill…But it is Allah who sustains life.”
“When the opportunity arose, we felt it necessary to document something that might otherwise remain unknown. Malama (his wife) began writing, initially compiling ‘A Brief History of the Islamic Movement’ in English. I then provided oral explanations while she recorded, almost like a conversation—as if she was asking questions and I was answering. However, in the final book, her questions were omitted, making it a straightforward narrative.”
The leader, explained that the book is very much summarised, with a lot of things not being told.
He said, “Almost everything I mentioned is summarized and condensed because every aspect of life could be a lengthy discussion on its own—enough to fill a book. For instance, if I were to detail my early education in ‘Zaure’ (traditional learning space), it would require a whole book, but I only touched on it briefly. The same applies to my modern education, which could also be a book but were summarized. Even my prison life—each could be a book.”
The Leader also reflected on lessons from his life and the trials faced by the Islamic Movement due to several attempts by past and present Nigerian administrations to eliminate the movement for some foreign interests.
Before the Leader’s speech, Dr. Hussaini Hassan reviewed the book. Afterward, copies were sold to attendees.
The book will be launched in other regions of the country in the coming weeks, as announced by the organizing committee.
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