Shaheed Zaharaddeen Lawal Gimba was born on July 6, 1999, in Kanawa Gimba, Soba, Kaduna State, Nigeria. He was the fourth child of Alhaji Lawal Sani, son of Malam Sulaiman. His mother was Malama Kareema, daughter of Alhaji Mika’il, a renowned religious scholar in Gimba. His maternal grandmother was Hajiya Fatima mai Tuwo, daughter of Ibraheem. Shaheed Zaharaddeen grew up in this community, dedicating his life to seeking knowledge, good upbringing, self-reliance, love for religion, and sacrifice until Allah blessed him with martyrdom.
His educational journey began early with Quranic studies at around two and a half years old under Malam Magaji. He then spent about four years in a traditional Quranic school (makarantar allo). In 2007, he enrolled in L.E.A. Primary School Gimba, completing his primary education in 2013. He continued to GJSS Gimba, finishing junior secondary in 2016, and then GSS Tudun/Saibu, where he completed senior secondary in 2019. After secondary school, he aspired to pursue higher education but faced challenges with entrance examinations, a goal he held until his martyrdom.
Shaheed Zaharaddeen was a self-reliant individual who actively sought his livelihood. He engaged in farming, relying on its produce, and also worked as a shoemaker. Later, he became a trader, traveling for his business. He had only returned from a trading trip a few days before his martyrdom, demonstrating his commitment to earning a lawful living.
He was known for his deep love for religion and its leadership. While he possessed a strong will in his youth, his character transformed as he deepened his understanding of life's purpose and religious obligations. He became patient and forgiving, never holding grudges and offering advice when appropriate. However, when matters of religion or religious leadership were concerned, he displayed intense zeal for his beliefs. His profound love and obedience for his leader were evident, particularly when he heard of threats against the leader, which moved him to tears and prayers for martyrdom before any harm could befall his guide.
Shaheed Zaharaddeen was also remarkably generous and sacrificial. He was known to give freely, even parting with cherished possessions if someone expressed interest. For instance, after buying a new pair of trousers, he immediately gave them to Usman upon hearing his friend express admiration. This act exemplifies his spirit of giving and selflessness.
Shaheed Zaharaddeen attained martyrdom in Soba, Kaduna State, on Sunday, August 28, 2022, during an Ashura procession commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS). He sustained a gunshot wound directly to his heart, which led to his passing. May Allah accept his blood as that of a martyr and count him among His righteous servants.
He left behind one wife and a son, Muhammad, who was born after his martyrdom. Thus, Shaheed Zaharaddeen left a legacy as a young man who was a husband and a father, even though he did not have the opportunity to see his son in this world.
His mother, Malama Kareema, often described him as humble and obedient, highlighting his easy-going nature and respectful interactions with people. His will emphasized holding firm to religion and remaining under the guidance of the leader, no matter the difficulties. This was a core principle he lived by, urging his brethren and youth to be steadfast, patient, and resilient in their faith.