Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, widely known as Shi’ites, gathered in Bauchi on Sunday in a show of support for Iran while also calling on Muslims to live strictly according to Islamic teachings.
The rally took place during the 5th International Conference on Islamic Thought, themed “The State of Affairs and the Way Out,” organised by the Sisters and Academic Fora under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky.
Speaking at the event, Zeenatuddeen Zakzaky, wife of the movement’s leader, urged Muslims to align their daily lives with the teachings of the Qur’an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad.
She said the goal of the gathering was to remind believers of their religious responsibilities and the importance of living by Islamic principles.
“We are not saying that everybody should become Muslims, but we also cannot afford to live against the teachings of the Qur’an,” she said.
Zeenatuddeen also commented on ongoing global tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, describing it as a struggle between oppression and resistance, and expressing support for what she called the “axis of resistance.”
During a symbolic procession held alongside the conference, participants expressed solidarity with Iran and the Palestinian people, saying their long-standing demonstrations were aimed at opposing injustice globally.
One of the followers, Abdullahi Musa, said their movement has consistently spoken out in support of what they describe as oppressed communities, particularly Palestinians.
“We continue because it is mandated for all believers to stand against injustice,” he said, adding that the struggle for justice cuts across religious boundaries.
He also called on the Nigerian government to take a clearer position on global conflicts, especially the situation in Palestine, arguing that more decisive action is needed.
Musa further criticised Nigeria’s political system, saying the country’s challenges go beyond individual leaders and are rooted in deeper structural issues that elections alone cannot fix.
He said, “We have tried different political parties, yet the situation continues to worsen.”
