Why It Matters:
Martyrs' Day (Yaum-ul Shuhada) is an annual event being used to remember those who demonstrated their commitment and devotion to God, and at the end of their lives, they got killed.
The Big Picture:
Even though the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion, processions, and expression, the government's security forces attack members of the Islamic Movement when conducting their religious activities such as peaceful processions of Ashura, Arba'een, and the International Quds Day.
What They are saying:
Maryam Gashua, head of Mu'assatu Shuhada in her remarks has drawn the attention of members of the Islamic Movement to add more efforts to support the families of the martyrs. She also assured the Nigerian Government that as far as the Islamic Movement is concerned, no threats, even death can stop the Nigerian Shi'a community from doing their religious activities including supporting Palestinians' cause and other oppressed people across the world.
Key Points:
- "We commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Musa Al-Kazim, and we also use Martyrs' Day as an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made in the cause of Allah. This event serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for the revival and establishment of the Islamic system here in Nigeria, under the leadership of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky," stated Professor Abdullahi Danladi, a senior member of the Islamic Movement, in an interview with Iran Press.
Between the Lines:
Despite the report that armed members of the Nigeria Police Force attempted to go to the event location, the program was conducted peacefully.
303
