Sheikh Zubairu Surajo

Sheikh Zubairu Surajo was a respected Nigerian Islamic scholar, teacher, and community leader whose life was devoted to the pursuit and dissemination of Islamic knowledge, the promotion of da’wah, and the strengthening of Islamic institutions in Nigeria. Widely admired for his humility, scholarship, and dedication to teaching, he played a significant role in nurturing generations of students and advancing the cause of Islam, particularly in Northern Nigeria. He is also recognized as one of the founding members of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN), contributing to the establishment and early development of the Council as a key platform for Islamic scholarship and advocacy.

Sheikh Zubairu Surajo was born in Zaria in 1935 into a family deeply rooted in Islamic learning. He began his early education under the tutelage of his father, Sheikh Surajo, from whom he acquired foundational knowledge of the Qur’an and the basic sciences of Islam. He later continued his studies under prominent scholars in Zaria, where he developed a strong grounding in Islamic scholarship and a passion for lifelong learning.

His pursuit of knowledge took a significant turn when he was taken from Zaria to Kaduna by Sheikh Ahmad Hafizi, following the approval granted to his father by the Emir of Zazzau, Sarkin Zazzau Alu, to relocate and continue teaching in Kaduna. In Kaduna, Sheikh Zubairu Surajo furthered his studies under Sheikh Ahmad Hafizi and Sheikh Hassan Surajo, deepening his knowledge in Islamic jurisprudence, Qur’anic sciences, and other classical disciplines.

In his quest to combine both religious and modern education, he later proceeded to Kano, where he attended SAS Kano. There, he pursued both Islamic and Western education while continuing to study under renowned scholars in Kano. This dual exposure enriched his intellectual outlook and equipped him with the ability to engage effectively with both traditional and contemporary educational systems.

Throughout his life, Sheikh Zubairu Surajo remained deeply committed to da’wah (Islamic propagation) and education. He devoted himself to teaching students, delivering sermons, and guiding communities with wisdom and clarity. His lectures were known for their simplicity, depth, and adherence to authentic Islamic teachings, making him a trusted source of knowledge and guidance among scholars and the wider Muslim community.

As one of the founding members of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria, Sheikh Surajo was part of the pioneering group of scholars who established the Council to promote the understanding and application of Shariah, strengthen Islamic scholarship, and protect the rights and welfare of Muslims within Nigeria’s constitutional framework. His contributions during the formative years of the Council helped lay a solid foundation for its continued relevance and impact.

Beyond his institutional role, Sheikh Zubairu Surajo was widely known for his humility, discipline, and dedication to service. He maintained close relationships with scholars, students, and community members, serving as a mentor and moral guide to many. His life reflected the values of sincerity, patience, and unwavering commitment to the cause of Islam.

He passed away on Thursday, 16th April 2016, in Kaduna, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship, teaching, and service. His contributions to Islamic education and institutional development continue to be remembered and appreciated by those who benefitted from his knowledge and guidance.

Sheikh Zubairu Surajo is remembered as a devoted scholar, a committed teacher, and a founding figure in one of Nigeria’s foremost Islamic organizations. His life remains an enduring example of dedication to knowledge, faith, and service to the Muslim Ummah.