By OBSERVERS TIMES
The Rasulul A’azam Foundation (RAAF), a prominent Shi’a organization in Nigeria, has strongly disassociated itself from the radical views expressed by Zinat Zakzaky, wife of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) leader, El Zakzaky.
In a statement signed by the group’s Chairman, Muhammad Nura Dass, RAAF condemned her “provocative utterances” during the 4th international conference organized by the group in Kano on April 11, 2025. Dass asserted that the teachings of Shi’a Islam do not advocate for violence against a legitimate government under any circumstance.
“We the Rasulul A’azam Foundation strongly dissociate ourselves and Shiites from her radical views of taking revenge or taking arms against the State. There is no place in the teachings of Shi’a Islam to fight a legitimate government on account of being provoked,” the statement read.
Dass maintained that Shiites believe in a united and democratic Nigeria under the Federal Republic’s constitution. He reiterated that Shiites would not participate in or support any act that violates Nigerian laws.
“It has never been the doctrinal, philosophical, and political objectives of the Shi’ah in Nigeria to establish an Islamic government. The Shiites believe in a united, just, peaceful, progressive, and democratic Nigeria, under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Shiism is completely different from the dark picture painted by such baseless movements,” Dass emphasized.
The chairman further appealed to the Nigerian Government to treat Shiites with respect and honor, re-emphasizing that their doctrine is one of peace.
