By Ibrahim Usman
It was a momentous gathering a millions of people from the seven designated axis converged in Hussainiyyah Baqiyyatulla, Zaria for the grand Arba’een commemoration.
Allama Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky who addressed the gathering explained historical perspective of Arba’een commemoration and general issues related to the event.
Commemorating the Arba’een, he explained, is a pledge to follow the path of justice and righteousness and will reject injustice and speak up against the oppressors of the time.
He further explained that, by marking the Arba’een, Muslims have resolved to continue to mold their lives according to the teaching of Imam Hussain (AS) to preserve justice and the real religion of Islam.
On the purpose of the symbolic march in Nigeria, Allama Zakzaky said it would mean different things to different people, but however said it is intended to pay respects to Imam Hussain’s (AS) holy shrine in Karbala.
“Were Karbala to be located in neighbouring countries, we would have definitely trekked to it. Nevertheless, we have representative of about 200 contingents who found their way into the holy tomb of Imam Husain (AS). The symbolic trek here is an expression of our internal and external mourning for the killing of Imam Hussain (AS) and all those brutally killed with him. By saying, ‘Ya Husain’ we are responding to the call of Imam Husain (AS) in the Karbala- ‘Hal min nasirinyansuruna (Is there any helper to help us)?’- when he was alone in the plain of Karbala without a helper”.
On the historical perspective of Arba’een trek, Allama Zakzaky stated that, the first Arba’een trek and gathering was traced to Jabir ibn Abd-Allah Al-Ansari, the aged companion of the Holy Prophet (SAWA) who performed the trek to the burial site of Imam Hussain (AS).
His visit coincided with that of the surviving members of the Prophet’s family under the leadership of Imam Hussain’s (AS) son and heir, Imam Ali Zain-ul-Abideen (AS). ‘They sat there for three days weeping and praying. We are therefore re-enacting this trek as a mark of respect and solidarity”.
Allama Zakzaky said by expressing love for a particular person and associating with his deeds, one will be raised with or among the people or their deeds he loves, and quoted Hadith of the Prophet (SAWA), narrated by Jabir ibn Abd-Allah Al-Ansari to buttress this point:
“He who loves a people, will be raised among the; and he who loves deeds of a people, will be associated with their deeds”.
He stated that Imam Husain (AS) is for all people and all humanity, including non-Muslims, citing instance of how some Christians embraced and identified with the cause of Husain. “Every person or society demands justice, and this is what Imam Husain stands for”.
Allama Zakzaky said, Ashura was never a battle but massacre of few unarmed by armed army with specific and clear intention to commit massacre in the form of vengeance on the family of the holy Prophet.