Nigerian Shias March on Arbaeen

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Among the millions of Shia Muslims marking Arbaeen, an important fixture on the Islamic calendar, are pilgrims in Nigeria. They joined the final stretch of a pilgrimage despite the terrorist threat.

They come from northern Nigeria, Ghana, Chad, Cameroon, Benin and Togo. They have been walking together in large groups for days. The pilgrims' destination is the city of Zaria in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, where they were addressed by Shia cleric Ibrahim Zakzaky.

On Arbaeen, Shias honor the memory of Imam Hussein (AS), grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was martyred in the year 680. His mausoleum lies in Karbala in present-day Iraq and attracts millions of devotees every year. Religious observation peaks on the 40th day after the anniversary of Imam Hussein's martyrdom.

For West African Shias, Kerbala is a very distant destination for a pilgrimage. They travel instead to Zaria. Mohammed Mukhtar Sahabi, Shia leader in Kaduna, told DW he is glad he is able to join the pilgrimage.

"We thank God that we are members of the generation that loves Imam Hussein (AS) and mourns his martyrdom," he said.

Imam Hussein was with his family when he was killed. "We will also be with our families and children during the procession," he added.