As members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) join the Muslims world to celebrate the Ashura Day, the group has called on Nigerians to be ready to defend themselves against oppression and tyranny.
The IMN, in a statement signed by Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara on Monday shortly after the Ashura Procession in Abuja, said Nigerians should emulate the exemplary stance of Imam Husain (AS), who was brutally assassinated in the 7th Century over his stand against injustice.
“Today is the Day of Ashura and we are mourning the brutal assassination of Imam Husain (AS), a 7th century revolutionary leader who sacrificed his life fighting against injustice, tyranny and oppression.
“Ashura means the tenth day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar and the day coincides 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,” it said.
The group recalled that Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) taught the world to adhere to morality and fight against injustice in all its manifestations.
“This, in a nutshell, is what Islam stands for.
“And 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.
“But Imam Husain (AS) stood firm against the tyrant ruler and refused to pay him allegiance.
“We in the world today, urgently and fervently need to emulate this exemplary stance against tyrants and tyranny; In this world that is filled with oppression and oppressors!
“That is our only path to happy and blissful life in this mundane world and the life after death.
“We need to emulate the selflessness exhibited by Imam Husain (AS) in the desert of Karbala. This is true regardless of your religious beliefs!
“As one of the favourite sayings of Imam Husain (AS) (while addressing those inhuman soldiers of the tyrant Yazid on that fateful day) depicts: The Imam said: ‘If you have no religion, you should at least be free people not enslaved to humans like yourselves.’
“Thus, the struggle of Imam Husain (AS) is not only an inspiration to the Muslims alone, it is an inspiration to the whole world,” the group, also known as Shiites, said.
According to IMN, 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!!
“We will continue to resist until the last drops of our bloods!! We wish to extend our condolence to the Imam of our time; Imam Mahdi (AS),” the group concluded.
