Nigerian Muslims Mark Arbaeen in Abuja by Peaceful Procession
Organized by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), the procession saw participants trekking and chanting to mark forty days since the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and scores of members of his family and his companions in Karbala in present day Iraq.
The trekkers condemned Yazid and his army for the gruesome killing of the third Shia Imam. Men, women, and children joined millions of other Shia Muslims to participate in the symbolic trek, which is held around the globe every year as part of mourning rituals for Imam Hussein.
Despite the heavy rain, the marchers trekked for several kilometers and ended their walk here in Suleja. Prayers were offered here for Imam Hussein, members of his household and his loyal companions who were martyred at the battle of Karbala.
This year’s procession in Nigeria ended with no attack by security forces against mourners.
A statement signed by Dr Dauda Nalado on behalf of the movement said the purpose of the trek was to commemorate the trials and tribulations faced by the household of the Holy Prophet (SAWA), who was chained and dragged barefoot from Karbala to Damascus in the scorching heat of the Arabian desert.
The statement noted that It was a sad event which depicts a mark of the injustice perpetrated against Prophet Muhammad.
Nalado added that Arbaeen mourners have since started trekking from different places in Iraq to the tomb of Imam Husain at Karbala, famous among which is Najaf to Karbala, approximately 100 km. Muslims and non-Muslims from all walks of life.
He explained that the love being expressed to the Imam by the mourners and the sacrifice rendered by the people of Iraq to them are indications of what humanity needs.
The statement reads “Imam Husain (AS) sacrificed his life and challenged the tyrant ruler Yazid son of Mu’awiya. He, together with his family members and tens of supporters (seventy-two males), were surrounded by thousands of well-armed soldiers and massacred in the plain of Karbala. They were subjected to psychological torture and denied drinking water for days.
“He fought the stooges of the tyrant bravely and valiantly. Just before his martyrdom, he had witnessed the maltreatment of the female members of his family, the family of the greatest of all the Prophets. He made all these sacrifices to protect humanity from tyrants, tyranny, injustice and oppression!
“The valiant resistance of this great historical personality is exemplary and worthy of emulation. Humanity should be able to draw some inspiration from his honourable struggle. For, Islam owes its continued existence to the struggle of Imam Husain (AS). Had the Imam submitted to the tyrant, Islam would have long been something else.”
“Thus, his struggle is not only an inspiration to the Muslims, but also an inspiration to the whole world. On such grounds, great leaders like the honourable Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi declared that they were inspired by the sacrifice and steadfastness of Imam Husain (AS).”
“It Is worth mentioning here that the steadfastness together with sacrifice displayed by the Imam in rebellion against tyranny and oppression is the root of all revolutionary uprisings in the history of Islam. It is also the root of the struggle of our revered leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky (H) against the tyrannical system in our society.”
“On account of this, one can understand why we will never surrender to injustice, tyranny, oppression and oppressors! We will continue to resist until the last drop of our blood! We wish to extend our condolences to the Imam of our time; Imam Mahdi (AS).”
Source: Agencies
