By Waziri Isa Adam
Nigeria’s top Shi’a Muslim Leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, has joined millions of mourners of different religious persuasions, particularly Muslims, who troop to Iraq yearly from different parts of the world to participate in the Arba’een commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Husain.
Imam Husain – the grandson of the Prophet of Islam – Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him), and 72 of his companions and family members were martyred by Yazid bn Muawiya, 1,400 years ago, for refusing to give him allegiance because he did not only pollute the religion of the prophet, but he was determined to change it completely.
Sheikh Zakzaky’s participation in the 2024 Arba’een walk which is a significant event in Islam, particularly among followers of the School of Thought of the progeny of the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him), marks his first time of open and publicized participation in the 1,400-Year-Old tradition.
Sheikh Zakzaky who was warmly received on his arrival in Iraq on Monday 19th, August, 2024, by officials of the shrine of Imam Husain in the holy city Karbala, was taking round the shrine where he visited the Imam’s holy tomb to offer prayers and salutations to him.
After the Nigeria’s leading Shia Cleric’s visit to Imam Husain – the 3rd Imam, he headed to Najaf to visit the first Imam, Amirul Mumineen, Imam Ali Bn Abu Talib, (AS) where he prayed and offered salutations to him.
Sheikh Zakzaky then proceeded to join his disciples who he met on their way trekking to Karbala, attracting hundreds of international Pilgrims eager to see him since his release from detention where he spent more than seven years.
In an unusual display of love and sacrifice for Imam Husain, Instead of waiting to be served or entertained with food, fruits and drinks as usually done to guests during the international event by Iraqi volunteers, Sheikh Zakzaky was seen serving other guests with fruits.
The religious leader who addressed his disciples during the walk reminded them on the historical and spiritual significance of the event which he emphasized that it is meant to have a taste of the pain and persecution sister of the Imam – Sayyidah Zainab and the remaining few survivors of the companions of the Imam, were subjected to, when they were forced to trek on foot and barefooted under harsh conditions from Karbala to Syria to meet their tormentor and persecutor – Yazid.
Motion Pictures Below: