By Khalid Isa
The Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky addressed millions of people at Polo Ground beside Husainiyyah Baqiyyatullah Zaria, the meeting point of Millions who trekked distances of 30-150 km range from various destination to Zaria, for Arbaeen Commemoration on Thursday the 20th of Safar 1437 (3/12/15).
Sheikh Zakzaky spoke on the signifinace of Arabeen gathering which he described as the biggest gathering in the world.
He said Arabeen trekking here in Nigeria is done with hope to be among those millions who trek to visit Imam Husain(Alaihis salam) in Karbala. He further said those who view the slogan of ‘yaHusain” as a form of shirk should know that it is the shorter form of ‘Labayka Ya Husain’ which means ‘we have answered your call Ya Husain’- the called Imam made at the plain of Karbala 61 year afer hijrah when enemies besieged and attacked him.
On the bomb attack on Arabeen he said it is the work of enemies using Boko Haram to cover up: ‘we cannot not be deceived by hiding behind a Suicide Bomber slogan; the real culprits are those killing innocents inYemen, Syria and elsewhere.’ He further said that people of knowledge and understanding cannot be deceived with the regard to the bomb attack as the real perpetrators are known adding that the person who detonated the bomb was also a victim.
The sheikh further said after the attack, there was influx of people who joined the trek thus making it more popular.
He said the number of dead after the attack is now 24 including the person who detonated the bomb- 16 died on the spot while the remaing died later making the number of matrys of the Movement 23.
After the lecture the Sheikh led funeral prayer for the 23 martyrs including 3 babies who died on way to Zaria.