Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, popularly known as Shi’ites, on Sunday staged a rally in Bauchi in support of Iran, calling on Muslims to live according to the teachings of Islam.
The call was made by Zeenatuddeen Zakzaky, wife of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, 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 the leadership of Sheikh Zakzaky.
Zakzaky, who spoke at the event, urged Muslims to align their lives with the teachings of the Qur’an and the traditions of the Prophet.
“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 said.
She said the aim of the conference was to remind adherents of their responsibility to live as true Muslims.
“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.
On the ongoing conflict 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 after a symbolic rally held on the sidelines of the conference, a follower of Zakzaky, Abdullahi Musa, said the demonstration was to show solidarity with Iran and the Palestinian people.
“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,” he said.
Musa said the struggle for justice transcends religion, adding that both Muslims and Christians are obligated to defend the oppressed.
“It is mandatory to act against injustice. The purpose of all prophets is to fight for justice. That is why we are ready to even lose our lives in the process,” he said.
He called on the Federal Government to take a more decisive stance on global injustices, particularly in relation to Palestine.
“We have seen many nations act against this injustice, but we are yet to see concrete action by the Nigerian government. It is not enough. The government must clearly show solidarity with the oppressed,” he said.
Musa also criticised Nigeria’s political system, saying the country’s challenges go beyond leadership.
“Yes, we are heading towards general elections, but does it work? The problem in this country is not leadership but the system. We have tried different political parties, yet the situation continues to worsen,” he said.
