Hawzah News Agency- Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky made the remarks during a meeting with representatives of the Harisan Committee (the Guardians Committee of the Islamic Movement) in Abuja. The gathering was held to mark the blessed month of Sha‘ban and the anniversary of the birth of Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance).
Addressing the meeting, Sheikh Zakzaky underlined the concept of being a true follower of Imam Mahdi, stating that a Shia is one who consistently serves the cause of the Imam and follows his path. He noted that only those who have prepared themselves in advance—spiritually, morally, and practically—will be capable of serving the Imam at the time of his reappearance.
“The reappearance is not a sudden event for which people prepare overnight,” he said. “Those who will stand in the service of Imam Mahdi are individuals who have already trained and disciplined themselves long before that day arrives.”
Referring to Islamic narrations about the companions of Imam Mahdi (PBUH), the Nigerian cleric explained that the Imam’s followers will be organized in different ranks, with 313 forming the core group at the forefront, followed by other tiers numbering in the hundreds. He highlighted that a notable number of women are said to be among the 313 special companions, a point which, he said, underscores the inclusive and responsibility-based nature of preparation before the reappearance.
Sheikh Zakzaky emphasized that readiness before the reappearance is one of the central missions of the followers of Imam Mahdi, describing it as both a spiritual duty and a social responsibility. In this context, he elaborated on the role of the Harisan Committee, saying its core mission includes protection, vigilance, and carrying out specific responsibilities with a strong sense of accountability before God.
He added that all actions undertaken by members of the movement must be rooted in sincerity and a clear sense of divine responsibility, noting that serving people, providing humanitarian assistance, and engaging in benevolent acts are among the most important expressions of faithful service.
The leader of Nigeria’s Islamic Movement also stressed the necessity of sincerity in action, patience in the face of hardship and adversity, and unity and cohesion in organizational work. He said that actions carried out purely for the sake of God will ultimately yield positive results, regardless of criticism, insinuation, or pressure from opponents or even misunderstandings among friends.
“If a deed is done for God,” Sheikh Zakzaky said, “it will bear fruit, even if it is accompanied by trials and challenges. This is the principle that must guide all our plans and activities.”
In the final part of his remarks, Sheikh Zakzaky referred to the annual Harisan parade held in previous years, noting that current security and political conditions do not allow it to take place at present. However, he expressed confidence that such activities would resume in the near future, adding that regional commanders had been invited to assess the situation and improve coordination through a series of consultative meetings.
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