Hussaini Danhaire Funtua.
Malam Sidi Manir has said that the sacrifice of Imam Husain (A.S.) at Karbala continues to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all those striving for freedom, justice, and resistance against oppression across the world.
He made the remarks while speaking with journalists in Funtua, Katsina State, during the Arba’een symbolic trek held on Sunday, 2 August 2026, to commemorate the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Husain (A.S.).
According to him, the annual trek is organised to express grief, solidarity, and resolute support for the family of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW), in remembrance of the immense suffering they endured following the massacre of Imam Husain (A.S.), members of the Prophet’s Household (Ahlul Bayt), and their loyal companions on the plains of Karbala.
He explained that the tragedy did not end with the martyrdom of Imam Husain (A.S.). Rather, the women and children of the Prophet’s Household who survived were subjected to unimaginable cruelty. They were shackled in chains, beaten, and forced to march across the scorching desert under severe thirst, hunger, and intense heat from Iraq to Damascus, in present-day Syria.
Malam Sidi Manir stressed that the commemoration of Arba’een is not confined to any particular Islamic school of thought but is a matter that concerns the entire Muslim Ummah. He noted that both Shi’a and Sunni scholars have authentically narrated the well-known Prophetic tradition in which the Messenger of Allah (SAW) declared:
“Husain is from me, and I am from Husain.”
He said the hadith reflects the unique status of Imam Husain (A.S.) in Islam and his inseparable relationship with the Holy Prophet (SAW). According to him, harming Imam Husain (A.S.) is tantamount to harming the Messenger of Allah (SAW), while honouring and mourning him is an expression of love and loyalty to the Prophet himself.
He added that this is why Muslims from both the Shi’a and Sunni traditions continue to observe Arba’een commemorations—to remember the atrocities committed against the Prophet’s Household and to draw enduring lessons from the events of Karbala.
Speaking on the legacy of Karbala, Malam Sidi Manir said Imam Husain’s firm steadfastness in confronting tyranny has become the foundation of contemporary movements dedicated to restoring the dignity of Islam and resisting oppression. He added that it is for this reason that tyrannical powers throughout history have regarded the Karbala-inspired movement as a threat to their rule.
He cited the Islamic Revolution in Iran, the Palestinian resistance, and the struggle of the Islamic movement in Nigeria under the leadership of His Eminence, Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky as examples of movements inspired by the ideals and lessons of Karbala.
Drawing further lessons from history, he said the stand taken by Imam Husain (A.S.) and his 72 loyal companions against the vastly superior forces of Yazid demonstrated that numerical strength does not determine the triumph of truth. Their ultimate sacrifice, he said, immortalised the enduring principle of “the victory of blood over the sword.”
Malam Sidi Manir concluded by calling on Nigeria’s leaders to fear Allah, uphold justice, protect the lives and property of citizens, and refrain from the unlawful shedding of innocent blood.
He also urged Nigerians to embrace the teachings and principles of Islam as the path to lasting peace and justice, arguing that the country’s prolonged reliance on political solutions alone has failed to resolve its deep-rooted challenges.
He maintained that following the path of Imam Husain (A.S.) and responding to the call of Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) to uphold truth, justice, and resistance against oppression remains the surest path toward addressing thenation’s current challenges.
