The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shiite movement and led by Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, will hold Ashura processions across the country on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The processions form part of activities commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husain, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. According to the group, the events will take place in more than 600 towns and villages spread across over 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Media Forum and signed by Ammar Muhammad-Rajab, the movement described Ashura as a symbol of resistance against oppression and a reaffirmation of justice, truth, and sacrifice. The date was shifted to Friday (Muharram 11, 1448 AH) to align with commemorations in the holy city of Karbala, Iraq.
“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,” the statement said.
The IMN noted that while the main processions are scheduled for Friday, religious rites associated with Ashura can still be observed on Thursday, the 10th day of Muharram.The group emphasised that Imam Husain’s martyrdom represents “the moral victory of right over wrong, virtue over vice, principle over compromise, the oppressed over the oppressor, and ultimately, blood over the sword.”
“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,” the statement added.
The movement quoted the late Iranian leader, Imam Ruhollah Khomeini: “Every day is Ashura, and every land is Karbala.”It reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Imam Husain’s legacy and promoting values of justice and resistance to oppression through its annual commemorations.
Ashura processions organised by the IMN have been a feature of Nigeria’s religious landscape for over three decades, typically drawing thousands of participants who march through major cities with banners and messages centred on justice and remembrance of Karbala. The group also holds annual Arba’een commemorations 40 days after Ashura.
The Islamic Movement has consistently maintained that its Ashura activities are peaceful religious observances, despite occasional tensions with security agencies in previous years.
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