Shiites to hold nationwide Ashura processions on Friday

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has announced it would hold its Ashura processions across the country, on Friday, to mark the martyrdom of Imam Husain, grandson of Prophet Muhammad. 

The group, led by Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, said the processions would take place in more than 600 towns and villages across 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the media team, the movement said the procession was moved to correspond with Muharram 11, 1448 AH, to align with commemorations in Karbala, Iraq, where Imam Husain and his followers were killed in 680 AD.

According to the statement, “the annual procession is intended to commemorate the events of Karbala, which hold significant religious importance for Shia Muslims worldwide”. 

“Ashura, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, marks the martyrdom of Imam Husain at the Battle of Karbala and is commemorated by millions of Muslims globally, particularly adherents of the Shia tradition. ”

In Nigeria, the Islamic Movement has organised annual Ashura processions and mourning activities for more than three decades. 

Recall that the events typically attract large crowds in major cities and have, at times, generated concerns over security and public order.