During the meeting, which took place in Imam Reza shrine, Hoj Ahmad Marvi, the custodian of the shrine, pointed to the background of the Nigerian leader, saying: “Sheikh Zakzaky, the founder of Islamic Movement in Nigeria, has built numerous Islamic schools in the African country”.

Stating that some 15m people in Nigeria converted to Shia Islam on the back of Sheikh Zakzaky’s efforts, Hoj Marvi noted: “Moreover, millions of Christians in Nigeria are fervent advocates of the sheikh, and it’s estimated  ”.

“Sheikh Zakzaky has been incarcerated six times – 15 years altogether – because of his beliefs so far. He has also lost several of his children, and thousands of his followers have been martyred on this path”.

Sheikh Zakzaky, for his part, reported on the activities of Muslims in Nigeria, asserting: “In Nigeria, love of Prophet Muhammad’s Infallible Household isn’t confined to any specific sects, rather it’s a shared love among all Muslims in Nigeria. Besides, the Holy Quran is taken very seriously and many start memorizing it at an early age”.

Stressing that the Holy Quran memorization is very popular in the country, he said: “In Nigeria, Quranic circles abound, particularly during the month of Ramadan, and the Holy Quran interpretation plays a key role in attracting people to Islam”.

“Nahj al-balāgha (a collection of sermons, letters, and sayings attributed to Imam Ali) didn’t use to be well-known among Nigerians, but currently, we have taken special measures to promote the book. Also, educating the adolescents is on our agenda and we’ve established many Islamic schools across the country”, added Sheikh Zakzaky.