Millions of adherents of the Islamic movement under the leadership of His Eminence, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, are participating in the annual Arba’een symbolic trekking processions taking place across several axes in Nigeria to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS), the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW).
The annual exercise forms part of the global Arba’een remembrance observed 40 days after Ashura to honour the sacrifice of Imam Husain (AS) and his loyal companions at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Arba’een is one of the world’s largest annual religious commemorations, with millions of mourners participating in long-distance pilgrimages and symbolic treks.
The Kano Axis commenced its four-day symbolic trek on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from Kano to Zaria, bringing together participants from Kano, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa and parts of Katsina State. The procession is expected to conclude in Zaria, where participants will join fellow mourners in Arba’een commemorative activities and prayers.
Similarly, adherents in the Pambegua Axis—comprising Bauchi, Yola, Gombe, Nasarawa, Soba, Jos and Saminaka—commenced their symbolic trek on Friday, July 31, 2026, in an orderly and peaceful atmosphere. Participants, including children, youths, adults and the elderly, as well as men and women, were seen reciting dhikr (remembrance of Allah), chanting elegiac songs and carrying flags bearing the inscription “Labbaika Ya Hussain (AS)” (“At your service, O Hussain”) in remembrance of the tragedy of Karbala.
Meanwhile, preparations have been concluded for the commencement of symbolic trekking processions on Sunday, August 2, 2026, along the Kaduna Axis, comprising Kaduna, Minna, Kontagora, Lagos and Port Harcourt; the Malumfashi Axis, comprising Malumfashi, Katsina and Maradi in the Republic of Niger; the Funtua Axis, comprising Funtua, Zamfara, Sokoto and Birnin Kebbi; the Kwanar Malam Mudi Axis, comprising Birnin Gwari, Kidandan, Dogon Dawa and Damari; as well as the Gadar Gayan Axis.
The various processions are scheduled to converge and conclude in Abuja on Monday, August 3, 2026, where participants will join in Arba’een commemorative programmes.
Organisers expect millions of adherents and other people of conscience to participate across all the axes, making the annual Arba’een symbolic trek one of the largest religious activities organised by the Islamic movement in Nigeria.
Participants described the symbolic trek as an expression of devotion, sacrifice and steadfastness, reflecting the timeless values of justice, truth and resistance against oppression exemplified by Imam Husain (AS). They noted that the annual exercise serves as a reaffirmation of the universal message of Karbala and the enduring struggle for justice and human dignity.
The organisers called on all participants to maintain discipline, unity and peaceful conduct throughout the processions, while expressing appreciation to host communities for their cooperation in ensuring a peaceful exercise.
This was contain in a press release
Signed:
Ibrahim El-Tafseer
Media Forum of the Islamic movement under the leadership of His Eminence, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H)
