After two weeks of mourning, the Muslim followers of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky in the Katsina region concluded their Ashura mourning period for the year 1446 Hijri on Saturday, 15th Muharram, 1446 Hijri (July 21, 2024).

In his speech after the mourning session, Sheikh Yakubu Yahaya Katsina praised the dedication of the followers, particularly the women who attended the sessions from early afternoon, waiting for the teachings to begin.

Sheikh Yakubu also thanked the neighbors for their cooperation in supporting the followers' religious activities over the years, despite the gatherings reaching their doorsteps.

He explained that the halt in the Ashura teachings at this time was due to circumstances, not because the sessions were completed. He noted that in other places, the mourning continues until the 40th day, but here it was paused due to the situation, with the hope to continue next year.

Furthermore, Sheikh Yakubu Yahaya addressed various accusations and misconceptions propagated by opponents to mislead the community about the followers of Ahlulbayt (Shi'a). He clarified these issues with reason and knowledge, disproving false claims.

Among the misconceptions he addressed were allegations that Shi'a have their own Quran, practice temporary marriage, curse the companions, and practice dissimulation. He also explained why Shi'a believe there are 12 successors of the Prophet (S) instead of four, stating, "By Allah, there is no authentic hadith claiming that the Prophet's successors are four!" He added, "We have numerous hadiths in Sunni books stating that the Prophet's successors are 12; all from Quraysh, all from the Sons of Hashim, and all descendants of Fatima."

For centuries, Shi'a Muslims worldwide, including in Nigeria, have held mourning sessions in Muharram to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husain (A.S) and the Prophet's family, who were brutally killed by Yazid ibn Mu'awiya after days of thirst and hardship in Karbala in the year 61 Hijri. The mourning includes demonstrations on the 10th of Muharram and pilgrimages to Imam Husain's shrine in Iraq. Those unable to travel replicate this pilgrimage in their own countries, aspiring to make the actual journey in the future.