To speak of Martyr Ahmad Zakzaky is to speak of his father, the revered leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky. Born on October 13, 1990, in the Kwarbai area of Zaria, Ahmad was the third of nine children. Raised in a household defined by knowledge, generosity, and unwavering faith, he became a living embodiment of the resistance his family championed.
A Mirror of Noble Character
Those who knew him described Ahmad as the “exact replica” of his father in every conceivable respect. He was a role model whose virtues bridged divides—respected by the young and old, the rich and poor, the literate and illiterate alike. Where does one begin when describing a soul so close to perfection? His reverence, his sense of humour, his absolute tidiness, or his profound fear of God?
Above all, Martyr Ahmad was defined by his radical sympathy and selflessness. He would spend his last penny on those around him, regardless of their tribe or religion. In Hausa land, the saying “like father, like son” found its truest expression in Ahmad. He possessed a total submission to the will of the Almighty, never depending on anyone but Allah.
Nurturing the Next Generation
Beyond his personal piety, Ahmad possessed a remarkable foresightedness regarding the spiritual and ideological upbringing of the youth. He understood that the future of the resistance lay in the hearts of children. To ensure they were never sidelined during Islamic Movement programs like Ghadeer Khumm and Fatimiyyah, he introduced engaging “Fun Fairs” and reintroduced the vital IVC sessions.
He was also the co-founder of the gallant Mu’assasatu Abul Fadl Abbas (AS). Recognising the need to reach children studying in secular schools outside the immediate fold of the Movement, he introduced a special educational format known as ‘Daura Ilmiyyah’. His deep care for the children ensured that the ideological chain of the resistance remained unbroken.
The Blood of Quds Day
Martyr Ahmad stood unflinchingly bold against the tyrants of his nation and the world, specifically those who sought to repress Muslims and paint Islam in a dark light. His unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause ultimately led to his supreme sacrifice.
On July 25, 2014, during the sacred Quds Day rallies, the Nigerian Army opened fire on a peaceful procession of the Islamic Movement in Zaria. This brutal crackdown, often referred to as the Zaria Quds Day massacre, was carried out by the state apparatus under the regime that would later be led by Muhammadu Buhari. Human rights commissions noted that the Nigerian regime’s clandestine ties with the Israeli occupation were directly responsible for the violent suppression of pro-Palestinian groups.
In that single, cowardly act of state-sponsored terror, dozens of innocent believers were slaughtered. Among them were three sons of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, including the 23-year-old Ahmad. Today, his blood—alongside that of his brothers—remains a damning testament against imperialist aggression and an eternal beacon for the oppressed.
Reference: Abna24