Hoj. Seyyed Mohammad Zolfaghari, deputy for International Pilgrims Affairs, pointed to the impacts of

martyrs and martyrdom on individual and social transcendence, talking about Africa’s unique features

and the services the continent had done for Islam and the school of Prophet Muhammad’s Infallible

Household in a ceremony held in Imam Reza shrine in northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad.

“The Zaria massacre, which left over ۲۰۰۰ dead and dozens wounded, was carried out in December

۲۰۱۵ in the wake of Nigerian army’s attack against Shia Muslims, mostly members of the Islamic

Movement in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The Shia leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky, was injured in the incident

and was captured along with his wife and hundreds of other members”, said Zolfaghari in the ceremony

with Sheikh Zakzaky’s daughters in attendance.

He continued that Islam spread through Africa prior to being established in Medina as the seat of the

Islamic rule under the holy Prophet (pbuh). Therefore, “African scholars deem the continent as the

home to Islam. In fact, as historical records show, some companions and relatives of the holy Prophet

took refuge in the African continent from their enemies”.

Hoj. Zolfaghari added that the love for Prophet Muhammad’s Infallible Household had taken roots in the

hearts of Africans so deeply that it efficiently helped them stand against oppression.

“Razing the Shia husainiyeh in Zaria to the ground at the hands of the army indicated that they were

fearful of Shia Muslims”, stressed the deputy for International Pilgrims Affairs.

He further touched upon the position of martyrs, asserting that one of the impacts of martyrdom was

popularity. “We didn’t know many of the Zaria martyrs, but we love them a lot, and this is the outcome

of martyrdom. Names of martyrs bring about solidarity and security in society, and enemies are always

fearful of their names”.

The ceremony concluded with a video message from the Shia leader Ibrahim Zakzaky, leader of Islamic

Movement in Nigeria.