Soldiers’ Killing Of My Sons, 30 Members, Blessing In Disguise – El-Zakzaky

SHEIK IBRAHIM EL-ZAKZAKY (RIGHT) WITH HIS IRANIAN VISITORS DURING THE 40TH DAY PRAYER OF THE 33 KILLED MEMBERS OF ISLAMIC MOVEMENT OF NIGERIA (SHIITE) IN ZARIA THURSDAY. PHOTO BY ABDULGAFAR ALABELEWE
SHEIK IBRAHIM EL-ZAKZAKY (RIGHT) WITH HIS IRANIAN VISITORS DURING THE 40TH DAY PRAYER OF THE 33 KILLED MEMBERS OF ISLAMIC MOVEMENT OF NIGERIA (SHIITE) IN ZARIA THURSDAY. PHOTO BY ABDULGAFAR ALABELEWE

Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, on Thursday conducted the fortieth day prayer for the 33 members, including three of his children, who were allegedly killed by soldiers in Zaria during the Quds Day procession on July 25, 2014.

Zakzaky said the killing of his sons and 30 members of the Shi’ite movement, was a blessing in disguise, explaining that, the group were consoled by the fact that the deceased died as martyrs.

“We are pleased that those who killed us are sons of killers of children of prophets. What happened to us cannot be compared to the tragedy that befell Imam Hussain (AS), in which all his family, including a six-month-old baby was murdered”, he said.

The occasion was witnessed by scholars such as Sayyid Jawad Musawi and Sheikh Hasan Muhammad, both renowned Islamic scholars from Mashad, Iran.

The occasion, which featured special prayers at the Dambo Film Village, the final resting place of the deceased, was attended by prominent Nigerians from far and near.

In a related development, a special condolence message to the occasion signed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), North-East Youth Wing and signed by Evang. Musa D. Misal, described the killings as unfortunate and commended Sheikh Zakzaky for his exemplary patience in the face of unwarranted provocation.

According to the CAN message, “When the news of the incident reached me, I was very confused as from my view and my understanding in the teachings of Bible, this is just a cold blood murder committed against them. However, all praise be to Allah for the manner you handled the situation patiently and left the matter to Allah alone. With this, you displayed that you are the most patient type among rest of the scholars in Nigeria, and we pray to Almighty God to endow you more in patience”.

Also in his message, the Etsu Nupe, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, extended warm condolence to Sheikh Zakzaky on behalf of the Council of Traditional Rulers of Niger State.

The Etsu Nupe prayed Allah to grant the dead eternal rest and the families the fortitude to bear the loss.