On Saturday, 26th April 2025, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, the revered leader of the Islamic Movement, officially launched his autobiography, RAYUWATA, in a ceremony held in Abuja. The event, which attracted a significant crowd, was followed by a book review presented by Dr. Hussaini Hassan, who lauded the work for its historical and personal insights. Following the review and the leader’s address, members of the Islamic movement, as well as representatives from various affiliated forums, were invited to purchase copies of the autobiography.

In his speech, Sheikh Zakzaky delved into the inspiration behind the book, reflecting on his time in detention after the infamous Buhari massacre. He poignantly shared, “This work is the result of reflections that came to us while we were in detention. We realised that Almighty Allah spared our lives despite the clear intention to kill us. There was no human explanation for surviving that situation; it was purely by the mercy of God, the giver of life." The leader drew a parallel between his own survival and that of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), noting that just as God protected Moses in Pharaoh’s house, He similarly protected him and his family.

The autobiography, which Sheikh Zakzaky described as a condensed version of his life story, explores multiple significant moments in his journey. "Each stage of my life could have become a full book," he remarked, highlighting his experiences in both traditional Islamic study and modern education. He also shared his struggles during multiple imprisonments, revealing how each chapter of his life could stand as a book on its own. However, due to time constraints, only a summary of these pivotal experiences was included in the autobiography.

Sheikh Zakzaky also took the opportunity to discuss the internal and external crises that the Islamic movement has faced over the years. He pointed to a series of conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the movement, including conflicts stirred by external enemies and internal divisions, such as the Tawayiyya crisis. Drawing lessons from these battles, he emphasized the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, stating, "Whenever a new crisis emerged, we could immediately see the familiar tactics at play. Indeed, history repeats itself."

Concluding his speech, Sheikh Zakzaky offered profound wisdom, urging his followers not to expect perfection but to continue pushing forward in the pursuit of victory. "If you believe every problem must be eliminated and everything must be perfect, you are chasing an illusion. You would only waste your time. What we must do is to continue pushing forward until we achieve victory."

The launch of RAYUWATA marked a significant moment in the life of the Islamic movement, offering a detailed account of Sheikh Zakzaky’s personal journey, his leadership, and the ongoing struggles of his movement. As members of the movement and their affiliates gathered to secure copies, the autobiography stands as both a testament to his resilience and a beacon of inspiration for future generations.