The Islamic Movement, also known as the Shi’ites, on Thursday, called on Nigerians to, at all time, stand up for justice and be ready to fight against tyranny and oppression.
Dr. Fatima Ismaeel Hassan gave the charge in a statement she signed on behalf of the Islamic group, under the leadership of his eminence,Sheikh Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky (H) in Abuja
The statement, titled: “Prophet Muhammad, As the Pivot of Unity,” was released as part of the Maulud celebration held today to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
“Congratulations to the entire Muslim ummah on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and his pure progeny (PBUH).
“The Holy Prophet (PBUH) is the pinnacle of God’s creation and the most complete of all creatures.
“He is sent as a mercy to mankind and is therefore the rallying point (of unity) among entire mankind.
“He belongs to all people: Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. He is an exemplary individual who should be emulated by all.
“All other Messengers and Prophets that came before him were paving way for his arrival.
“He is the seal of prophethood who completed and perfected the message of Allah to mankind,” she said.
Dr Hassan said that the message of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), like all other Messengers and Prophets before him, is guiding all creatures: mankind and jinn to submit totally to the will of Almighty Allah- the absolute Creator for the sole purpose that we worship Him alone.
“Therefore, it should be noted from the foregoing, that our purpose on this earth is to worship Allah alone, without associating any partner to Him or His rule.
“Also, we were sent down to earth as vicegerents of Allah, meaning we should live according to His will and commandments,” she said
She recalled that during his life time, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) revolted against tyrants and tyranny.
“He testified that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that all allegiance, obedience and authority belongs to Him alone!
“Therefore, he instructed people to desist from paying allegiance to tyrant rulers who paraded themselves as kings.
“In other words, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) strived to establish justice among people.
“He emancipated mankind from the clutches of tyrants and oppressors and enjoined them to live only according to the will of Allah, the Creator of justice,” she said.
Hassan, however, said that it was disheartening that in the world today, brazen injustice has become the order of the day.
“More so, in this country where the so-called leaders oppress people in the most brutal manner fathomable.
“In addition, they also transgress and make their own laws contrary to the laws and commandments of Almighty Allah.
“So, as Muslims who follow the teachings of our Noble Prophet (PBUH), what excuse do we have to pay our allegiance to such leaders, when we know the Prophet revolted against people like them?!
“It is this same path our revered leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) took to call people back to the way of Allah, and also to imbibe the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to resist against tyranny and oppression deliberately imposed on the people, just as the Holy Prophet (PBUH) did during his life time.
“Sheikh Zakzaky is the torchbearer of the true teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), who call on people to worship Almighty Allah alone, and live according to God’s laws and commandments
“According to authentic narrations, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was born on 17th Rabi’ul Awwal 53 years before Hijra.
“However, according to some narrations, he was born on 12th Rabi’ul Awwal.
“In view of the above, the leader of the Islamic revolution and the champion of the oppressed, Ayatollah Khomeini (QS) declared the 12th-17th of Rabi’ul Awwal every year to be observed as “Unity week” among people from different walks of life where unity, brotherhood and the need for peaceful coexistence would be the focus of discussion.
“The Islamic movement under the guardianship of his Eminence, Sheikh Zakzaky (H), has been observing this event for several years.
“As we join other lovers of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) across the world in marking this auspicious occasion, we use this opportunity to call on people especially in this part of the world to join this struggle for the emancipation of mankind from enslavement, tyranny, and oppression.
“We call on people to rise up and ensure that a just society is established,” Hassan said.
