In an exclusive interview with the Iran Press News Agency, conducted at his residence in Zaria, Professor Abdullahi Danladi, the head of the Resource Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, articulated an inclusive definition of the "Axis of Resistance." He asserted that any individual or organization actively opposing Western hegemony and striving for the liberation of Muslims from the "crutches of oppression" under the United States and its allies is inherently a component of this axis. The following is a comprehensive report based on the interview.
Affiliation with the Axis of Resistance
When questioned about the Islamic Movement in Nigeria's alignment with the Axis of Resistance, Professor Danladi responded with unequivocal affirmation. He stated that any conscious Muslim who resists Western dominance, regardless of the scale of their efforts, is naturally part of the resistance movement. He emphasized that the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, under the leadership of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, maintains total and unconditional allegiance to the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Professor Danladi explained that a movement for Islamic revival, inspired by the legacy of Usman Danfodio, existed in Nigeria before the Iranian Revolution. However, the success of the 1979 revolution provided a tangible manifestation of their aspirations. He noted that Sheikh Zakzaky subsequently proclaimed Imam Ruhullah Khomeini as his master and role model, a foundational principle that underpins the Movement's identity and solidifies its place within the Axis of Resistance.
Contributions to the Global Resistance Effort
Elaborating on the Movement's contributions, Professor Danladi highlighted their active participation in global solidarity events. He cited their commemoration of Quds Day, an annual event declared by Imam Khomeini to be observed on the last Friday of Ramadan, as a key example of their support for Palestinians. The Movement, he explained, consistently studies global events affecting the Muslim Ummah and takes appropriate action, which has included organizing numerous processions against American and Israeli aggression. Furthermore, members have contributed through articles and protests, ensuring Nigeria's participation in the broader international activities of the resistance.
Population and Scope of the Movement
On the question of the Islamic Movement's membership size, Professor Danladi clarified that it functions as an open, mass movement without a formal registration process. Membership, he stated, is defined by ideological alignment—any Muslim, or even non-Muslim, who identifies with the Movement's goal of liberating people from oppression and establishing a governance system based on the principles of Allah, his messenger, and the Prophet's household is considered part of it. To illustrate the Movement's expansive reach, he noted that during the last Ashura mourning commemorations, events were held in over 700 towns, cities, and villages across Nigeria, each drawing thousands of participants. He referenced a 2014 Al-Jazeera assessment that estimated the Movement's population at no less than 25 million, though he emphasized the Movement does not officially endorse a specific figure. He concluded by reiterating that it is a growing mass movement, citing the diversity of attendees at recent gatherings—including Christians, traditional rulers, and local Islamic scholars—as evidence of its broad, cross-community appeal. Anyone, he affirmed, who identifies with the Movement's principles against Western-imposed oppression and imperialism is automatically a member.
Hossein Amiri - H.Hakimzadeh
