By Khalid Idris Doya The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (Shi'ite Muslims) is set to embark on its annual Arba’een symbolic Tr...
By Khalid Idris Doya
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (Shi'ite Muslims) is set to embark on its annual Arba’een symbolic Trek in commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the revered grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWW).
Arba'een Trek is a Shiite annual religious practice usually conducted on 20th Safar of Islamic calendar to mark the 40th day of the murder of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammed who was killed on 10th Muharram.
This was announced by Malam Ahmad Yusuf Yashi, Bauchi state representative of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, during a press briefing held in Bauchi on Friday, he said the procession in Pambegua axis scheduled to commence on Sunday, August 10, and conclude on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
He described the symbolic trek as a tradition rooted in deep spiritual and historical significance, especially for followers of the Shi’a faith, which in Nigeria is being conducted in all the six geo-political zones of the country.
“This trek is not just a walk; it is a spiritual journey. We mourn the unjust killing of Imam Hussain (RA) and reflect on the values he stood for – justice, sacrifice, and resistance to oppression,” said Malam Yashi.
"It is our way of keeping his memory alive and reminding the world of the lessons from Karbala," he added.
He said the Pambegua axis of the annual event comprised five states of Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Nasarawa and Plateau with their point at Pambegua, trekking to Zaria in Kaduna state.
Malam Yashi emphasised that comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of all participants.
He confirmed the deployment of trained security volunteers, medical teams, and media representatives who will accompany the group throughout the three-day journey, "The presence of various teams, and journalists will help us maintain transparency and provide needed assistance along the way.”
He urged participants to remain calm, respectful, and law-abiding throughout the symbolic trek, "We are a peaceful movement. Our message is rooted in spiritual reflection, not confrontation," he added.
"This event doesn't concern only the Shi'ite Muslims, it affects everybody because the Holy Prophet belongs to everybody. Therefore when the Holy Prophet had been alive, when this incident happened, he would have shared the grievances with everybody, meaning he would have conducted everything in remembrance of the commemoration of his grandson".
Yashi said, “As usual, having found ourselves in the month of Safar, the Islamic Movement under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky is about to embark on what we call symbolic trek. Just as the name implies, it is to symbolise what is actually taking place in Iraq presently.
“But we here due to some economic constraints, we would not be able to find ourselves there at Iraq, therefore we would do what we can be able to do in our locality here, under this opportunity the movement is used to categorise the whole country under to seven axes that the Muslim brotherhood use to gather and conduct this trek, we have the Kano axis, Malumfashi/Katsina, Funtua axis, Kaduna, Pambegua among others.”
“It is an annual event being undertaken over a long period of years. It is called ‘Arba’een Trek’ under the Islamic tenent. It is usually observed 40 days after the demise of a person, which started after the assassination of Imam Hussyein who was killed on the 10th of Muharram, 61 years after the Wafat of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”
In addition, Malam Yashi called on members of the public to support the participants and offer prayers for the successful completion of the spiritual exercise.
He underscored the broader goals of the event, noting that it promotes religious unity, peaceful coexistence, and moral consciousness in an increasingly polarized society.
“Even in the face of adversity, we remain committed to the peaceful teachings of Islam. Imam Hussain’s sacrifice reminds us to stand firm against tyranny, but always through moral and non-violent means,” Malam Yashi stated.
No comments