By: Waziri Isa Adam

Nigeria's top Muslim Leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, has joined millions of mourners of different religious persuasions, particularly Muslims, who troop to Iraq yearly from different parts of the world to participate in the Arbaeen commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Husain.

Imam Husain - the grandson of the Prophet of Islam - Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him), and 72 of his companions and family members were martyred by Yazid bn Muawiya, 1,400 years ago, for refusing to give him allegiance because he did not only pollute the religion of the Prophet, but he was determined to change it completely.

Sheikh Zakzaky's participation in the 2024 Arbaeen walk marks his first time of open and publicized participation in the 1,400-year-old tradition.

The Sheikh who was warmly received on his arrival in Iraq on Monday August 19, 2024, by officials of the Holy Shrine of Imam Husain in the holy city Karbala.

The Nigerian Shia leader then headed to Najaf to visit the first Imam, Amirul Mumineen, Imam Ali Bn Abu Talib, (AS) where he prayed and offered salutations to him.

Sheikh Zakzaky then proceeded to join his supporters who he met on their way trekking to Karbala, attracting hundreds of international pilgrims eager to see him since his release from detention where he spent more than seven years.

In an unusual display of love and sacrifice for Imam Husain, instead of waiting to be served or entertained with food, fruits and drinks, Sheikh Zakzaky was seen serving pilgrims with fruits.

The religious leader addressed his supporters during the walk and reminded them on the historical and spiritual significance of the eternal event.