Iran’s Khamenei meets with prominent Nigeria Shia cleric Zakzaky 

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has met with prominent Nigerian Shia cleric Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky during the latter’s visit to the Islamic Republic.

The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) arrived in Iran on Thursday as part of his second foreign visit since he and his wife Malama Zeenah Ibrahim were released from house arrest. The IMN has been banned by the Nigerian government since 2019, who labelled it as a terrorist organization.

Imam Khamenei in a meeting with the Mujahid Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky and his family: I am very happy to meet you and your family. You are an example of someone who is truly struggling on the path of God, and I hope you will continue your struggles. pic.twitter.com/bQT4Dvwfd0

— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) October 14, 2023

During yesterday’s meeting in Tehran, Khamenei said “Today, one of the manifestations of the power of Islam is the very events that are happening in Palestine.”

“The incidents of the recent days in Palestine, especially the bombings and the martyrdom of women, children and men, injure the heart of every human, but they also show the incredible power of Islam in Palestine,” he said.

“And with the grace and mercy of God Almighty, this movement that has started in Palestine will go further and lead to the complete victory of the Palestinians.”

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Referring to Zakzaky, Khamenei stated: “You are an example of a real mujahid in the cause of Allah and we hope that you will be able to continue your fight for the sake of Islam.”

Sheikh Zakzaky said “We hope that with your prayers and the efforts and endeavors of the Muslims, Islam will spread more and more every day.”

University of Tehran, Iran, conferred an honorary doctorate degree (Honoris Causa) to Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) on World Studies: Peace and Conflict Resolution. The Sheikh is honored in a convocation organized by the university.

Photo: @IRNA_1313 pic.twitter.com/xMG7Gm5fqO

— Sayyid Zakzaky Office (@SZakzakyOffice) October 14, 2023

Also yesterday, Zakzaky who is reportedly in the country for medical treatment was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the University of Tehran. The cleric has bullet fragments lodged in his body while his wife, Zeenah, has a bullet lodged in hers.

Zakzaky and his wife were wounded and arrested following a raid by Nigerian forces at his residence in Zaria, Kaduna state in 2015. During three days of clashes, hundreds of his followers were killed including three of his sons – three other sons have died at the hands of the government. The incident has been referred to as the Zaria Massacre by the IMN and its supporters. The pair were acquitted of all charges in 2021, after six years placed under house arrest.

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