GHADEER DAY IN NIGERIA
Report by
Muhammad Isa Ahmad.
The Islamic movement in Nigeria just like all Muslims over the world were not left out in rejoicing with the entire humanity on Ghadir day (Idil Ghadir) at the Fudiyyah Islamic Centre (FIC) Dan Magaji, Zaria, Nigeria on 18th Zulhijj 1430 (Dec 5th 2009).
The centre was colourfully dressed and the air filled with variety of scent with praise songs of the Rasool (SAWA), his Ahlul Bait (AS) and pious servants of Allah to depict how important is the day with series of programme and events held during the day’s celebrations. In the morning at the Sabongari Zaria mosque a book lunched on a translation of Ghadir Khum by Abdul Hameed Bello was held. After the book lunch Muslims from all over Nigeria and neighbouring countries converged at FIC centre to listen to the epitome lecture delivered by the leader of the Islamic Movement Sheikh Sayyed Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) on Ghadir.
Ghadeer in Zaria, Sheikh recites Ziyara
Sheikh in his introductory speech at the occasion extended his congratulation of the idil Ghadir to Imam Mahdi (AF) and entire Muslims. He also expressed Imam Jafar Sadik (AS) was asked is there any other id apart from the two id’s (fitr and Adha) and Friday’s id, he answered in affirmative yes, idil Ghadir. Thus Sheikh enjoyed on all Muslims to commemorate and mark idil Ghadir with all features and activities that will revive the event, just like historic and significant days are being celebrated. He also elaborated the fact that you do not know of the event and day doesn’t mean it does not exist. It is a day that is well known and un-doubt full, contained in various narration of ahadith of the Prophet (SAWA) irrespective of the school of thought, contained in Islamic books that we often make reference too.
Despite the time limitation (maghrib is quite early during the harmatan i.e.winter period) Sheikh speech at the occasion touched on what really happen at Ghadir Khum and Practical lessons from Ghadir event at the evening session. After Maghrib, Isha prayers and iftar Sheikh Zakzaky (H) performed Ziyarat of the day as well as dua.
Rasool (SAWA) not only brought and delivered the message of Allah (T) but he practically demonstrated how this message should be practiced and uphold during the 23 years of his prophethood with elucidating examples from Sheikh. Rasool (SAWA) close to his demise on 28 Safar practically showed how hajj rites should be done during the days of hajj at Zulhijj and the last message from Allah was unequivocally showing who his successor is.
This very task despite the fear of the conspiracies that may arise there from was delivered by the Prophet (SAWA) at the plain of Khum referred to as Ghadir Khum with the injunction of Allah (T), “Oh you Prophet deliver the message sent to you from your Lord, Allah will safeguard you from the conspiracies of men, for if you do not deliver this message it’s like you have not deliver all the messages sent by Allah (T)”. Books have estimated those present at Ghadir Khum with the Prophet are a minimum of 60,000 and a maximum of 100,000, and the Prophet raised the hands of Imam Aliy (KW) as his successor with all paying allegiance despite reservations by some that gradually manifested. Abu Zar during the call for prayers on this very day after proclaiming Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulillah, proclaimed Ashhadu anna Aliyu waliyyullah in the presence of the Prophet (SAWA).
Of what importance is the successor ship of the Rasool? Every living will at a specified time return unto the mercy of Allah (T) and he will be asked who your Prophet is and who your leader (Imam) is? Do you know who your leader is? Satan while the Prophet showed to his ummah who will be their leader after him raised alarm with all enmity that he can’t succeed on the ummah that Rasool (SAWA) has shown who their leader is.
Sheikh also used to opportunity to call on Muslims that are adamant in caving differences amongst Muslims to desist in doing so, for nobody benefits from such action but Zionist and their co-hort. Evidences of blackwaters an American company involvement in bombing of Muslim in their domains in many countries is becoming very glaring. Their tactics of carving rift between Muslim to weaken them and latter killing them should enough be a warning. Afghanistan has long been hammered on, it extended to Iraq, now its Pakistan tomorrow it will be somewhere else. Sheikh also uncovered secret moves by security operatives in Nigeria to divide, weaken Muslims in Nigeria and later descend on them. The Boko Haram saga is an eye opener to Muslims in Nigeria, the plot to descend on members of the Islamic Movement especially during Ashura was also uncovered and exposed with documented facts.
He also used the opportunity to advise those that assume the mantle of Alims to exercise restraint in dividing and castigating fellow Muslims. Ignorance of some part of the deen those not constitute to its non existence within the boundary of Islam, for Islam is wide and the search for knowledge will be a better option.
Sheikh Zakzaky (H) did not conclude his speech without pronouncing glad tidings;
·For those that are opportune to be chosen by Allah (T) and elevated, they will attain martyrdom insha Allah on this very path!
· The killers of those that have submitted themselves to Allah (T) will not stay in this world forever, for they shall also die!
·The religion and path that you are aiming at obliterating will be established and rooted, and your individual and collective contributions towards defaming and destroying Islam will only be remembered just like those that did the same during the life time of the Rasool (SAWA).
The marked day ended at around 8pm Nigerian time with participants returning to their respective towns and villages.