"We Will Never Abandon This Path" — Sheikh Zakzaky as 12th Anniversary of 2014 Quds Day Martyrs Is Commemorated in Zaria

The leader of the Islamic movement in Nigeria, His Eminence, Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, delivered a keynote address during the 12t...

The leader of the Islamic movement in Nigeria, His Eminence, Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, delivered a keynote address during the 12th anniversary commemoration of the July 25, 2014 Quds Day massacre, held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Darur Rahma, Dambo, Zaria.

The Leader opened his address by expressing profound sorrow over the tragedy of Ashura and the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (A.S.). He also reminded the gathering of the forthcoming Arba'een observance and referred to the funeral of what he described as the martyr of the Muslim Ummah, Sayyid Ali Khamenei (RH).

Emphasising the significance of the occasion, he stated:

"This gathering is dedicated to commemorating the incident that occurred on the 28th of Ramadan, 1435 AH, corresponding to July 25, 2014. Today marks exactly twelve years since that tragic event according to the Gregorian calendar."

The Leader also reflected on the origins of International Quds Day activities in Nigeria, explaining that the annual procession was first observed in Zaria on the last Friday of Ramadan before gradually expanding to other parts of the country as participation increased. He noted that public awareness and support for the Palestinian cause had likewise continued to grow over the years.

"The International Quds Day procession is an expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people, who have endured occupation, oppression, and injustice for more than seven decades," he said.

He added: "It is a clear declaration that injustice must never be accepted."

In another part of his address, the Leader recalled the events of July 25, 2014, noting that Nigeria was the only country where a Quds Day procession came under violent attack that year.

"This incident was witnessed by the public. Yet, as if that was not enough, a year later another assault was launched against us with the intention of wiping us out completely. Their objective during the July 25, 2014 attack was only halted after 34 people had been killed," he stated.

Addressing those responsible for attacking the Quds Day procession in what he described as an attempt to please Israel, the Leader remarked:

"If we choose the last Friday of Ramadan to express solidarity with the Palestinian people, then those who wish to support Israel should simply choose another day rather than attacking us."

Reaffirming the movement's resolve, the Leader declared that fear of death would not deter its members.

"Whether you shoot or you do not shoot, we will continue to come out."

He described the gathering as an occasion on which the living remember those whom the Holy Qur'an honours as truly alive, adding:

"When one has witnessed a martyr, there remains no room for doubt."

The Leader further observed that every human being will ultimately die, whether naturally or otherwise.

"There is honour in being killed in the cause of Allah."

He reaffirmed the movement's unwavering commitment to the ideals for which the martyrs sacrificed their lives.

"We remain steadfast upon the path for which these martyrs gave their lives. Whether we are honoured or whether we die on this path, we shall never abandon it."

Addressing those responsible for the killings, the Leader urged them to repent, warning that failure to do so would result in loss both in this world and in the Hereafter.

Concluding his address, he said: "This gathering is a symbol of love and loyalty. We cherish those who sacrificed their lives on this path, and every one of us aspires to the same noble end. By remembering them, we believe we earn divine reward."

Following his address, the Leader greeted Islamic scholars, Christian clergy, other invited guests, and the families of the martyrs. He then visited the graves of the martyrs buried at Darur Rahma, after which the gathering formally concluded.

Earlier, the programme commenced with an opening supplication followed by the recitation of the Holy Qur'an. This was followed by displays presented by various forum, a ceremonial parade in honour of the martyrs, and a dramatic reenactment depicting the events of the 2014 tragedy. After the cemetery visit, the Leader officially brought the programme to a close with prayers.