The Islamic Movement, under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky, on Saturday, vowed never to surrender to injustice and tyranny of any government.
The group, also known as the Shiites, made this known in a statement signed by Dr. Dauda Nalado on its behalf in Abuja.
The statement, titled; “Arbaeen of Imam Husain Symbolises Love, Sacrifice and Resistance,” was released, following the annual religious practice conducted by the Shiites.
The programme, which began at Wuse Zone 3, ended at Berger, Abuja.
According to Dr Nalado, love and sacrifice will bring about peaceful coexistence and provide lasting peace, justice and fairness everywhere in the world.
He noted that the love being expressed to Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA), by the mourners and the sacrifice rendered by the people of Iraq to them are indicative of what humanity is in dire need of, but badly and sadly lacks.
He said Arbaeen is an annual religious practice being conducted on the 20th day of Safar, the second month of the Islamic calender, marking the 40th day of the murder of Imam Hussein (AS).
“He was killed on the day of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, the first month, 61 AH which corresponds to October 10, 680 at Karbala, Iraq.
“One of the purposes of Arbaeen is to recall and commemorate the trials and tribulations faced by the household of the Holy Prophet (SAWA), who were chained and dragged barefoot from Karbala to Damascus in the scorching heat of the Arabian desert.
‘It was a sad event which clearly depicts a mark of the injustice perpetrated against Prophet Muhammad (SAWA).
“Arbaeen mourners have since started trekking from different places in Iraq to the tomb of Imam Husain at Karbala, famous among which is Najaf to Karbala, approximately 100 km.
“Muslims and non-Muslims from all walks of life and from all corners of the globe participate in the trek.
“Along the road to Karbala, volunteers distribute food and drinks for free to those partaking in the trek as well as offering places for relaxation, personal hygiene and sleep. Droves of mourners’ head to Karbala.
“Arbaeen gathering is now the largest in the world, and it is always on the increase year in year out.
“Millions of people across the planet Earth, Nigeria inclusive, are presently at Karbala in response to the call of the Imam, expressing their love, sympathy and solidarity to Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) and his household over this tragedy which occurred 1,383 years ago,” he said.
Nalado recalled that Imam Husain (AS) sacrificed his life and challenged the tyrant ruler, Yazid son of Mu’awiya.
“He, together with his family members and tens of supporters (seventy-two males), were surrounded by thousands of well-armed soldiers and massacred in the plain of Karbala.
“They were subjected to psychological torture and denied drinking water for days.
“He fought the stooges of the tyrant bravely and valiantly.
“Just before his martyrdom, he had witnessed the maltreatment of the female members of his family, the family of the greatest of all the Prophets.
“He made all these sacrifices to protect humanity from tyrants, tyranny, injustice and oppression,” he said.
According to him, the valiant resistance of this great historical personality is exemplary and worthy of emulation.
He said humanity should be able to draw some inspiration from his honourable struggle.
“For, Islam owes its continued existence to the struggle of Imam Husain (AS). Had the Imam submitted to the tyrant, Islam would have long been something else.
“Thus, his struggle is not only an inspiration to the Muslims, but also an inspiration to the whole world.
“On such grounds, great leaders like the honourable Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi declared that they were inspired by the sacrifice and steadfastness of Imam Husain (AS).
“It Is worth mentioning here that the steadfastness together with sacrifice displayed by the Imam in rebellion against tyranny and oppression is the root of all revolutionary uprisings in the history of Islam.
“It is also the root of the struggle of our revered leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky (H) against the tyrannical system in our society.
“On account of this, one can understand why we will never surrender to injustice, tyranny, oppression and oppressors!
“We will continue to resist until the last drop of our blood!
“We wish to extend our condolences to the Imam of our time; Imam Mahdi (AS),” he concluded.
