The 20th edition of the seminar for representatives of the Shuhada (martyrs’) foundation of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria came to an end on Sunday 8th April, 2012.
The revered leader of the Movement, Sayyeed Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) made the closing remarks. Before then, the National Coordinator of the Foundation, Malam Abdulhameed Bello made a discourse on ways to boost the capacity of the attendant representatives. Also, Malam Muhammad Turi spoke on the lessons to be derived from the Muassasatisshaheed in Lebanon. The venue was the Fudiyya Islamic Center, Danmagaji, Zaria.
In his remarks, Sayyeed Zakzaky noted that although martyrdom (shahadah) is a favour of Allah upon selected members of the Movement, it is part of things brought by the circumstances for which the burden attached to it is not planned. Despite the imposed poverty on the Nigerian populace, brothers have the zeal of sacrifice. So a lot is being done with meager resources.
Sayyeed (H) then went on to dwell on the virtues of Martyrdom. He referred to the two verses: “And do not speak of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead; nay, (they are) alive, but you do not perceive”. [Q2.154]. “And reckon not those who are killed in Allah's way as dead; nay, they are alive (and) are provided sustenance from their Lord.” [Q3.169].In the first case we are commanded NOT to SAY that martyrs are dead. In the second case we are commanded NOT to cast any doubt in our minds that martyrs are but living.
It is therefore imperative for us to take care of the rights of martyrs as we could for the living ones. Part of martyr’s right is taking care of the family he left behind. This includes proper sponsorship of the education of his children to the highest possible level. Another right of the Shaheed, observed Sayyeed (H) is the regular visit to his grave. Malam stated that in other parts of the Muslim World, graves are unique, safeguarded and beautified. Unfortunately in our society the opposite is the case. This attitude may not be unconnected to the traditional jahili beliefs of pre Islamic times in the Hausa land.
The advent of myopic Wahhabi doctrine, which vehemently opposes erection of structures in graveyards, has contributed to the practice, more especially in Saudi Kingdom, of prohibiting or even demolishing such structures. The irony of the matter is that they cling to this stand based on one Hadith supposedly reported by Ali bin Abi Talib (AS). What they fail to comprehend is that, Imam Ali (AS) was the fourth ‘Caliph’ and did not demolish such structures erected in the graves of believers at Baghdad and other places. May be they are more versed and understanding of the Hadith than the Imam who once commanded the affairs of the Muslim World!
In his concluding remarks, Shaykh (H) reiterated that brothers and sisters should try to uplift the status of the graveyards of the Martyrs of the Movement. This would open up for the societal reorientation towards graves of Muslims generally. He noted that the society always look and emulate members of the Islamic Movement because they know, quite right, that brothers always conduct their actions based on authentic sources and facts.
Dauda Nalado reports.
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