Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), widely known as Shi’ites, on Sunday gathered in Bauchi State for a rally in support of Iran and the Palestinian people, while also calling on Muslims to live in line with Islamic teachings.
The rally took place alongside the 5th International Conference on Islamic Thought, themed “The State of Affairs and the Way Out.” The event was organised by the Sisters Forum and Academic Forum under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, the leader of the IMN.
Addressing participants at the conference, Zeenatuddeen Zakzaky, wife of Sheikh Zakzaky, urged Muslims to return to the core teachings of Islam as contained in the Qur’an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad. She said the gathering was aimed at reminding Muslims of their responsibilities as followers of the faith.
“Muslims must live their lives according to how Allah has instructed in the Qur’an and the way the Prophet has shown us,” she said. “We are not saying everyone must become Muslim, but those who are Muslims must not live against the teachings of the Qur’an.”
Her message focused on moral discipline, unity, and obedience to Islamic principles, which she said are necessary in addressing the challenges facing Muslim communities today.
The conference and rally also touched on global political issues, especially the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Zakzaky described the situation as a clear divide between what she called “oppressors and the oppressed,” stating her support for what she referred to as the “axis of resistance.”
“I don’t want people to keep asking about this war, because it is already clear,” she said. “I stand with those resisting aggression. We know those who are responsible for the oppression.”
The rally drew several IMN supporters, many of whom carried banners and chanted slogans in solidarity with Iran and Palestine. The demonstration, though peaceful, reflected long-standing positions held by the movement on international conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.
One of the participants, Abdullahi Musa, said the rally was part of a long tradition of protests by the group in support of Palestinians. According to him, members of the IMN have consistently spoken out against what they see as injustice in Palestine for many years.
“We have been coming out for decades to show solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine,” Musa said. “Many people have even lost their lives in the process, but we continue because standing against injustice is part of our belief.”
Musa stressed that the call for justice goes beyond religious boundaries. He said both Muslims and Christians have a duty to defend those who are oppressed, noting that justice is a universal value shared by all faiths.
“It is not about religion alone. The mission of all prophets is to fight injustice,” he said. “That is why we are ready to make sacrifices, even if it costs us our lives.”
The protesters also used the opportunity to call on the Nigerian government to take a stronger position on global issues, especially regarding Palestine. Musa expressed concern that Nigeria has not done enough to show clear support for oppressed people in international conflicts.
“We have seen other countries take action and speak strongly against injustice, but Nigeria has not done enough,” he said. “It is not enough to remain silent. The government must clearly show where it stands.”
In addition to international concerns, Musa also spoke about Nigeria’s internal challenges. He criticised the country’s political system, arguing that the problems facing Nigeria go beyond leadership and are rooted in deeper structural issues.
“Yes, elections are coming, but will they change anything?” he asked. “We have tried different leaders and political parties, but the situation keeps getting worse. The problem is not just leadership; it is the system itself.”
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has been active for several decades and is known for organising religious gatherings, processions, and protests. The group has also been involved in clashes with security agencies in the past, leading to loss of lives and arrests of members.
Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, the leader of the movement, has been a central figure in Nigeria’s Islamic landscape. Over the years, the IMN has attracted both support and criticism, particularly over its activities and its relationship with authorities.
The conference theme, “The State of Affairs and the Way Out,” reflects concerns among participants about the direction of both the Muslim community and the wider world. Speakers at the event emphasised the need for moral reform, justice, and stronger commitment to faith as solutions to current challenges.