Ashura Day Marked in Kaduna

By Ibrahim Usman
Muslims in Nigeria nationwide under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, Thursday, marked the Day of Ashura to mourn the brutal murder of Imam Hussain(AS),

 grandson of Prophet Muhammad in the plain of Karbala, Iraq 61 years after Hijra.

The ten-day mourning session in Kaduna culminated into a procession of the members in black attires, which started from Maiduguri mosque, passed through Ahmadu Bello Way, Kano road and terminated at Layin Kosai junction, Tudunwada. In a press statement issued during the peaceful procession, titled, “Ashura: Why We Mourn”, signed by AbdulHamid Bello said, “Our marching procession on the day of Ashura and trekking on the Arba’in (40^th Day) are symbolic solidarity and allegiance to Imam Husain (A.S.) – the pillar of truth and justice. It is also our dissociation (bara’a) to Yazid, his followers and all tyrants like him, anywhere anytime!”

The statement further said, Day of Ashura is historically significant due to the unprecedented tragedy that befell the pure Household of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) in the plain of Karbala, where Imam Husain (AS) was mercilessly and brutally killed alongside his family and handful of companions in cold blood by the army of Yazid, son of Mu’awiyyah.

 In a closing remark, Malam Muhammad Mukhtar Sahabi, leader of the Muslim Brothers in Kaduna pointed out that, the tragedy of Karbala was primarily the direct result of deep hatred and arrogance of Banu Umayyah for the Holy Prophet (SAWA) and Islam, whom as consequently innovated the festival of “Cika-ciki” (Thanks-Giving) as a mark of joy for their evil deed. He further said, Ashura is a day for freedom lovers; a day for tears and tribute. ”As we mourn this unprecedented tragedy, we are also celebrating the triumph of truth over falsehood and the display of supreme sacrifice as exemplified by Imam Hussein (AS)”.

 Highlight of the procession was drama to depict the epic of Karbala in which Imam Hussein and other members of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA)were brutally killed. The procession was also conducted under tight security surveillence by joint members of the Operation Yaki.