The Islamic Movement in Nigeria led by Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, has announced plans to hold Ashura processions across the country on Friday, June 26, 2026, as part of activities commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
The group disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Media Forum and signed by Ammar Muhammad-Rajab.
According to the statement, the processions will take place in more than 600 communities spread across over 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where members have been participating in Muharram observances since the beginning of the Islamic New Year.
The movement explained that this year’s Ashura procession was shifted to Friday, corresponding with Muharram 11, 1448 AH, to align with commemorations taking place in Karbala, Iraq, where Imam Husain and his companions were killed in 680 AD.
“The annual Ashura procession for this year will hold on Friday, Muharram 11, 1448 AH (26 June 2026), as confirmed by the office of Sayyid Ibraheem Zakzaky. This is to coincide with the observance in the holy city of Karbala,” the statement read.
While the procession will take place on Friday, the movement noted that other religious rites associated with Ashura may still be observed on Thursday, the 10th day of Muharram.
The IMN described the events of Karbala as a defining moment in Islamic history and said Imam Husain’s sacrifice continues to inspire people around the world to stand against injustice and oppression.
“Imam Husain’s martyrdom at Karbala remains the greatest testimony to the moral victory of right over wrong, virtue over vice, principle over compromise, the oppressed over the oppressor, and ultimately, blood over the sword,” the statement added.
The group said the annual processions represent solidarity with Imam Husain and the ideals he championed.
“Our Ashura processions symbolise our solidarity with and allegiance to Imam Husain, the standard-bearer of truth and justice. They also express our dissociation from Yazid, his followers and every tyrant who walks in their footsteps, at any time and in any place,” it stated.
According to the movement, Ashura serves not only as a period of mourning but also as a reminder of the need to uphold truth, justice and moral courage in the face of oppression.
Reaffirming its commitment to the annual observance, the IMN said it would continue to commemorate Ashura across Nigeria as part of its advocacy for justice and resistance to oppression.
The statement also referenced the late Iranian leader, Imam Ruhollah Khomeini, quoting him as saying, “Every day is Ashura, and every land is Karbala.”
Ashura, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, marks the martyrdom of Imam Husain at the Battle of Karbala and is commemorated by millions of Muslims worldwide, particularly within the Shia tradition.
In Nigeria, the Islamic Movement has organised Ashura processions and mourning activities for more than three decades, attracting large numbers of participants who gather to remember the events of Karbala and promote messages centred on justice, sacrifice and remembrance.
The movement has maintained that its annual Ashura activities are peaceful religious observances aimed at preserving Imam Husain’s legacy despite occasional disagreements with security agencies over public processions in previous years.
