Arbaeen trek: Shi’ites, Christians to march together in Abuja

Thousands of Shi’ites and Christians are set to march together in the Abuja Arbaeen trek.

This trek is a symbolic commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Husain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

The march, scheduled for Saturday, aims to recall the trial and tribulation faced by the Household of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (AS) and promote justice and humanity.

It is part of the 40th day (Arbaeen) commemoration of Imam Husain’s martyrdom, which is observed annually by the Islamic movement.

In a statement on Friday signed by Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara, on behalf of the Islamic movement in Nigeria (IMN), the Shi’ites explained that the trek is a peaceful and inclusive event that welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds.

The statement reads, “We would like to inform the public that the Arbaeen Symbolic Trek is to commence around Abuja tomorrow; thus, people should not panic.

“The purpose of the symbolic trek is to recall and experience the trial and tribulation faced by the Household of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (AS), chained and dragged in a very hot and dry desert, barefoot, from Karbala in Iraq to Damascus in Syria after the killing of Imam Husain 61 years after Hijra.

“Nobody should be afraid of our Arbaeen trek. Love for Imam Husain (AS) is not exclusive to Muslims only, right from the gruesome attack on the Imam at Karbala, but for all those who love justice and fight against oppression of all ages. We once again welcome our Christian brothers in humanity who have chosen, on their own free will, to trek with us today.

“No one forced us to embark on the trek; it is out of free will and love for humanity. We pray that Allah thwarts and frustrates the evil plans of the oppressors against us, as he has done it in the past.”