Shiites plan nationwide Ashura processions on Friday

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria announced that it will hold Ashura processions nationwide on Friday to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husain, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson.

Led by Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, the movement said the processions will take place in more than 600 towns and villages across 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

A statement released on Wednesday by the movement’s media team explained that the procession has been scheduled to coincide with Muharram 11, 1448 AH, aligning with the commemorations in Karbala, Iraq, where Imam Husain and his followers were killed in 680 AD.

The statement added, “the annual procession is intended to commemorate the events of Karbala, which hold significant religious importance for Shia Muslims worldwide.”

“Ashura, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, marks the martyrdom of Imam Husain at the Battle of Karbala and is commemorated by millions of Muslims globally, particularly adherents of the Shia tradition.”

In Nigeria, the Islamic Movement has organised annual Ashura processions and mourning activities for more than three decades.

These events typically attract large crowds in major cities and have, at times, raised concerns over security and public order.