Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as the Shiite movement and led by Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, has announced plans to hold Ashura processions across the country on Friday, June 26, 2026, as part of activities marking the martyrdom of Imam Husain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. The movement said the processions would take place in more than 600 towns and villages across over 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where followers have been observing Muharram activities since the beginning of the Islamic New Year.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Media Forum and signed by Ammar Muhammad-Rajab, the group described Ashura as a symbol of resistance against oppression and a reaffirmation of the values of justice, truth and sacrifice embodied by Imam Husain. According to the statement, the annual procession was shifted to Friday, corresponding to Muharram 11, 1448 AH, to align with commemorations in the Iraqi city of Karbala, where Imam Husain and his companions were killed in 680 AD. “The annual Ashura procession for this year will hold on Friday, Muharram 11, 1448 AH (26 June 2026), as confirmed by the office of Sayyid Ibraheem Zakzaky. This is to coincide with the observance in the holy city of Karbala,” the statement said.
The movement noted that while the processions would take place on Friday, the religious rites associated with Ashura could still be observed on Thursday, the 10th day of Muharram. The group said the tragedy of Karbala remains one of the most significant events in Islamic history, adding that Imam Husain’s sacrifice continues to inspire people across the world to stand against tyranny and injustice. “Imam Husain’s martyrdom at Karbala remains the greatest testimony to the moral victory of right over wrong, virtue over vice, principle over compromise, the oppressed over the oppressor, and ultimately, blood over the sword,” the statement read.
The movement added that the annual processions serve as a public expression of solidarity with Imam Husain and his struggle for justice. “Our Ashura processions symbolise our solidarity with and allegiance to Imam Husain, the standard-bearer of truth and justice. They also express our dissociation from Yazid, his followers and every tyrant who walks in their footsteps, at any time and in any place,” it said. The group further stressed that Ashura was not only a period of mourning but also a reminder of the need for moral courage in confronting oppression and defending the truth.
Reiterating its commitment to the annual observance, the movement said it would continue to commemorate Ashura across Nigeria as part of its longstanding advocacy for justice and resistance against oppression. It quoted the late Iranian leader, Imam Ruhollah Khomeini, as saying, “Every day is Ashura, and every land is Karbala”. The statement added that the movement remained committed to preserving the legacy of Imam Husain and promoting the values he stood for.
This year, Nigeria and the Republic of Niger are witnessing a significant expansion in Ashura commemorations organized by the Islamic Movement under the leadership of Sayed Ibrahim Yaqoub Al-Zakzaky. Events are being held in more than 400 cities and towns, highlighting the growing reach and organizational strength of the annual observance across West Africa. The commemorations are taking place throughout numerous Nigerian states, including Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, and Lagos, as well as the federal capital, Abuja. Similar events are also being held in the Nigerien cities of Maradi, Konni, and Niamey, giving the occasion a broader regional dimension that extends beyond national borders.
Ashura activities encompass more than traditional mourning gatherings and religious lectures. Programs include reenactments of the events of Karbala, recitations of poetry and elegies dedicated to Imam Hussain, intellectual seminars, congregational prayers, and the distribution of food to participants. Lectures delivered during the commemorations focus on the intellectual and ethical dimensions of Imam Hussain’s uprising, emphasizing values such as sacrifice, steadfastness in principle, justice, and resistance to oppression. Speakers also draw connections between these ideals and the contemporary challenges facing Muslim societies.
Earlier in the week, the movement called on Muslims and Nigerians at large to draw lessons from the martyrdom of Imam Hussain in confronting terrorism, worsening insecurity, and severe economic hardship in the country. During a press briefing held in Jos, Plateau State, to mark the commencement of the 10-day global Ashura commemoration, Sheikh Muhammad Auwal Gangare expressed concern over the rising wave of banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, noting that women, schoolchildren, and vulnerable citizens continue to face increasing threats. He stated that the sacrifice made at Karbala demonstrates that lasting change requires courage, patience, and steadfastness, especially during difficult times.
Ashura, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Husain at the Battle of Karbala and is marked by millions of Muslims worldwide, particularly adherents of the Shia tradition. In Nigeria, the Islamic Movement has organised annual Ashura processions and mourning activities for more than three decades. The events typically attract thousands of participants who march through major cities carrying banners and chanting messages centred on justice, sacrifice and remembrance of Karbala. The scale of this year's observances reflects the Islamic Movement's ability to coordinate simultaneous events across hundreds of locations while maintaining a unified religious message and diverse program of activities.
The continued expansion of Ashura commemorations in West Africa demonstrates how the occasion has evolved beyond the remembrance of a historical event. It has become an annual platform that combines religious awareness, cultural identity, and community engagement, while drawing inspiration from the principles embodied in Imam Hussain's stand for justice, reform, and unwavering commitment to truth.
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