A brother of Nigeria’s top Shia cleric Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky said more than ten million Shia Muslims come together to attend a ceremony in Zaria, northern state of Kaduna, every year to mark Arbaeen.
According to Non news agency, Sheikh Bamasi Yaqub Zakzaky said a large number of pilgrims marched for long distances toward the Husseiniya in Zaria to mourn Arbaeen, which comes 40 days after Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him.
People in cities on the path of the mourners provide food and shelter to show solidarity with those who mourn the martyrdom of the Imam.
The massive participation in Shia mourning rituals in Nigeria takes place despite the Nigerian armed forces’ crackdown on Shia Muslims in the country.