Tribute To Dr. Zainab Sulaiman Abubakar
By Tanimu Umar
The birth of Dr. Zainab Sulaiman Abubakar was a moment of immense joy in the extended family. Though I was very young at the time, I can still recollect the happiness her arrival brought to us all.
My cousin, her mother, has always been a pillar of care and compassion, rarely showing anger. She raised Zainab with such love and dedication, shaping her into a remarkable scholar and academic.
Zainab’s academic journey was extraordinary, culminating in her achievement of becoming an Associate Professor. She was on the brink of attaining a well-deserved promotion to the rank of Professor when the Almighty, in His infinite wisdom, called her to eternal rest. It is a loss we struggle to comprehend, but one we humbly accept, knowing that Allah loves her more than we ever could.
As an affectionate mother and an obedient wife, Zainab exemplified grace and commitment in every role she played. Her life was marked by kindness, warmth, and positivity.
She was dearly loved by all her relatives, and her students adored her for her dedication and humility. Zainab’s life was a shining example of how to live with purpose and integrity. She was never one to engage in conflict and remained steadfastly committed to everything she set her hands to.
Aside from the mutual respect we shared, we shared the insatiable quest for reading. She always mentioned me as one who mentored her to read anything readable. The love for books certainly motivated her towards scholarship.
Her absence leaves a void that can never truly be filled. However, we take solace in the legacy of her well-spent life—a life of love, scholarship, and unwavering devotion to family and community. Zainab’s journey on this earth may have ended, but her impact will endure in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her.
Rest in peace, my dear niece, Dr. Zainab Sulaiman Abubakar. You will forever be missed, but your memory will remain a source of inspiration and comfort to us all. May Allah grant you the highest place in Jannah.
