By Muhammad I Ahmad
The ancient city of Kano, Nigeria glitters with the birthday celebration of Imam Aliy Ar Ridha (AS)- the 8th of the 12th Successor of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) hosted by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) under the leadership of Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H).
It was a three day program which started from Thursday 10th- Saturday 12th Zulkidah, 1438 (3rd-5th August, 2017). In attendance were Muslim lovers of the Noble Prophet (SAWA) and Ahlul Bait (AS) from various part of the country inclduding neighboring countries. Shaikh Ya’aqub Yahya Katsina is quest of honour and Sharu Abbas Adamu khalifa of Shehu Al Maghili, decedent of Prophet (S) residing in Kano, were also present at the closing ceremony.
Part of the programs on Thursday was a lecture on “Women and Children’s Day” by Shaikh Adamu Tsoho Jos who spoke on the teachings and lessons of Imam Ridha (AS) on Women and Children. On Friday Shaikh Qasim Umar Sakkwato spoke on spreading the teachings of Ahlulbayt through Songs and Poems as well as praising of Ahlul Bait (AS). The Ittihadul Shu’arah (poet group inf the IMN) chaired by Mal Mustapha Umar Baba showered the atmosphere with eloquent songs of Imam Aliy Ridha (AS). Other members of the group also recited various poems of praise to the Ahlulbayt (AS) during the afternoon and night sessions.
Mal Sunusi Abdulkadir Koki the chief host, in his introductory speech, expressed happiness to have hosted the birthday celebration and for the blissful flag from the tome of Imam Ridha (AS) in their midst which was given to the illegally detained leader Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) by its custodian. Despite the fact that the Nigerian government is still holding the leader of IMN, Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H), the program is still being held and hosted in Kano, he said. He also encouraged the Muslim faithfuls to remain steadfast along this very path which leads to salvation, and also to remaining resourcefully contributive in upholding the message of Allah. He alsoreiterated the call for the immediate release of Shaikh Zakzaky(H).
The blissful green flag of the doom of Imam Ridha (AS)’s holy tomb was then displayed with a colorful matching parades by members of Abul Fadl Abbas with beautiful songs of Imam Ridha (AS) aired with great ovation from the crowed, which glittered the air.
Sharu Abbas Adamu, Shaikh Ya’aquob Yahya and Mal Ibraheem Akil in their short speeches at the birthday celebration rekindled the status and virtues of Imam Ridha (AS) whom his birthday celebration is been held; who is character worthy of emulation.
Imam Aliy Musa Al Ridha (AS) is the 8th Successor of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) born on 11th ZulQadah 148AH in the city of Madina and martyred on 30th Safar, 203AH. Imam Ridha (AS) is known for his great conduct and moral that every person became satisfied with him..
Sharu Abbas called for continued unity amongst Muslims as examplified by Shaikh Zakzaky (H) and to hold to the path of Ahlul Bait (AS) as as commanded by the Noble Prophet (S). Likewise Shaikh Ya’aquob expressed how since hundreds of years ago Mr Hamper in his writings showed how Imam Aliy bin Abi Dalib upheld the message of Al-Islam and which in the present time how the path of Shi’at Imam Aliy (AS) will rekindle Al-Islam in biladul Sudan (west Africa).
Mal Badamasi Ya’aquob the brother to Shaikh Zakzaky (H) gave a Vote of Thank address and thanked everyone who participated in seeing the colorful eventa succeess. A closing prayer was recited by Shaikh AbdulHamid Bello.