The Islamic movement in Nigeria, IMN under the leadership of
Sheikh Ibraheem El- Zakzaky Monday staged a procession in Abuja tagged ‘Day of Ashura’
Popularly known as the Shi’ites, the group in a Press release made available to Blueprint by Shaikh Sidi Munir Mainasara, Sokoto
on the 8th August, 2022 said the procession was stage in mourning the brutal assassination of Imam Husain (AS), a 7th century revolutionary Leader who sacrificed his life fighting against injustice, tyranny and oppression.
Ashura he stated further means the tenth day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar which coincided with the day Imam Husain ibn Ali bn Abi Talib (AS), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) was unjustly assassinated by the devilish tyrant; Yazid bn Mu’awiyya on the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH which corresponds to the (10th of October 680) at Karbala, Iraq.
The statement reads: “During his life time, Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) taught the world submission and total surrender to the Will of God Almighty and at the same time rebellion against tyrants and oppressors.
“He also taught the world to adhere to morality and fight against injustice in all its manifestations. In fact, that is the essence of the words “La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah” meaning: (There is no deity worthy of worship or obedience except Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger to explain to the world how Allah should be worshipped).
“This in a nutshell is what Islam stands for. But unfortunately, not long after the demise of the Holy Prophet (SAWA), deviations set in.
“Oppression and injustice and immorality resurfaced. Imam Husain (AS) saw the teachings of his grandfather been eroded by Yazid bn Mu’awiyya, who was the then imposed tyrant ruler on the Muslim Ummah.
“Yazid needed the submission of Imam Husain (AS) to consolidate his tyrannical rule in order to provide him with legitimacy. How could a Saint like Imam Husain (AS) who was the product of the Greatest of all Prophets submit to a morally bankrupt person like Yazid who openly transgressed the limits of Allah!
“Imam Husain (AS) therefore stood firm against the tyrant ruler and refused to pay him allegiance. For this reason, he along with his family members and a handful of supporters (seventy-two males) were surrounded by thousands of well-armed soldiers and massacred in the plains of Karbala.
“They were tortured psychologically and denied drinking water for days before been Massacred. All the seventy-one people who were martyred along with the Imam defended the Imam with the few weapons they had. They layed down their lives to fight against tyrannical rule and also to protect their Leader, Imam Husain (AS).
“Imam Husain (AS) was the last to be martyred at Karbala. He fought the stooges of the tyrant Yazid son of Muawiyyah bravely and valiantly before been martyred.
“He never surrendered to the oppressors. Before his very eyes, his sons and the sons of his brother and sister and cousins (the blood relatives) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) were martyred one by one!! He also witnessed the maltreatment of the female members of his family, the family of the Greatest of all Prophets; before he was brutally martyred!!! He made all these sacrifices to protect humanity from tyrants, tyranny, injustice and oppression!,”
Mainasara noted further that the essence of mourning the Great historical personality, was to preserve his exemplary valiant resistance and draw inspiration from his honourable struggle.
“For this reason, we find great Leaders like the honourable Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi declaring that they were inspired by the sacrifice and steadfastness of Imam Husain (AS).
“It is also worthwhile to mention that this steadfastness, sacrifice and rebellion against tyranny and oppression displayed by the Imam is the root of all revolutionary uprisings in the history of Islam.
“It is also the root of the struggle of our revered Leader, Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) against the tyrannical system in our society. One can understand why we will never surrender to injustice, tyranny, oppression and oppressors,” the statement added.
