The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has defended its protest in solidarity with Iran, describing the action as a peaceful expression of its long-standing opposition to what it termed aggression against Muslim nations.

The group also condemned what it described as hostility involving Israel and the United States, arguing that attacks on religious or political leaders violate international norms and natural justice.

“The general public should understand that this protest is not a defensive action but a clarification of our position. It is meant to correct misconceptions and reaffirm our historical stance against oppression and oppressors,” the movement said.

The President of the Media Forum of the movement, Ammar Muhammad, disclosed this while speaking with PUNCH Online in Kaduna on Wednesday.

Muhammad said the protests, which erupted in parts of the North, followed what he alleged were attacks involving Israel and the United States against Iran.

“The Media Forum of the Islamic Movement under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky wishes to state clearly the purpose of the peaceful protests in solidarity with the people of Iran and other people of conscience,” he said.

He explained that the movement, under Zakzaky’s leadership, had, for nearly five decades, focused on advocacy, religious teaching, and raising public awareness of issues bordering on justice and social reform.

According to him, the IMN advocates what it considers a just social order rooted in Islamic principles.

“Historically, the movement has consistently stood with oppressed people across the world, from the East to the West,” Muhammad stated.

He alleged that global powers, particularly Western nations, had contributed to geopolitical challenges confronting Muslims, Africans and other developing societies.

The spokesperson added that internal disunity within many nations often served what he described as the strategic interests of dominant global actors.

Muhammad maintained that the movement’s solidarity with Iran was not a recent development but consistent with its historical posture.

“It has always spoken against aggression targeting Muslim countries and other oppressed communities whenever such incidents occur,” he said.

While acknowledging that many adherents of the movement are Shi’a Muslims, he insisted that the IMN should not be viewed strictly as a sectarian organisation.

“It is not a sectarian or rigid religious organisation. It is a broad movement that accommodates people of diverse backgrounds who share its ideological vision,” he explained.

He noted that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, holds both political and religious significance within Shi’a Islam.

“In this regard, Sayyid Ali Khamenei is not only regarded as a political leader but also serves as a religious reference in Shi’a Islam, similar to how the Pope serves as a spiritual authority in the Catholic Church,” Muhammad added.

He stressed that the protest was peaceful and aimed solely at expressing solidarity and registering grievances without resorting to violence. (The PUNCH)

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