Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, popularly known as Shi’ites, on Sunday held a rally in Bauchi in support of Iran and called on Muslims to uphold Islamic teachings.
The message was delivered by Zeenatuddeen Zakzaky, wife of the movement’s leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, during the 5th International Conference on Islamic Thought themed, “The State of Affairs and the Way Out.”
The conference was organised by the Sisters and Academic Fora under Sheikh Zakzaky’s leadership.
Speaking at the event, Zakzaky urged Muslims to align their lives with the teachings of the Qur’an and the traditions of the Prophet.
She said, “Muslims must live their lives according to how Allah enjoined us in the Qur’an and the way the Prophet has brought it to us.”
She explained that the aim of the conference was to remind Muslims of their responsibility to live according to Islamic principles.
“We are not saying that everybody should become Muslims, but we also cannot afford to live against the teachings of the Qur’an,” she added.
Commenting on global tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, she described the situation as a struggle between oppressors and the oppressed.
“I don’t want people to ask me about this war, but as all can see, it is now clear. I am siding with the axis of resistance against aggression. We know who the aggressors are,” she said.
Also speaking, Abdullahi Musa, a follower of Zakzaky, said the rally was organised to show solidarity with Iran and the Palestinian people.
He said, “We are out today as usual. We have been coming out for decades to show our solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine. Many have been killed for this cause, but we continue because it is mandated for all believers to stand against injustice.”
Musa added that the struggle for justice goes beyond religion, stressing that both Muslims and Christians must defend the oppressed.
He also called on the Nigerian government to take a stronger position on global injustices, especially regarding Palestine, while criticising the country’s political system for failing to deliver lasting solutions.
