Hawzah News Agency- The march took place on Sunday morning, corresponding to the 18th of Safar (August 2, 2026), to mark the solemn occasion of Arbaeen, the 40th day following the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The pilgrimage-style procession was held to honor the memory of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH) and his loyal companions in the tragedy of Karbala, while also commemorating the suffering and hardships endured by the household of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) after the Ashura massacre, including their forced march from Karbala to the court of Yazid in Damascus under scorching heat and harsh conditions.
March Organized in Four Waves
To facilitate the participation of Muslims from various districts of Kaduna and surrounding towns along the route to Zaria, the procession was organized into four groups, each departing almost simultaneously.
The first group began its journey from the Barakallahu area. After reaching Dan Kande, participants paused for rest before continuing to Maraban Jos, where the concluding ceremony was held at the central mosque. Malam Uwal Hayyi delivered the keynote address.
The second group launched its march from the central mosque in Maraban Jos, proceeding along the Jos-Kaduna Road before joining the main Kaduna-Zaria highway. The procession advanced to Unguwar Pate in Jaji, with the final ceremony taking place at the Fodiyya School. Malam Abdullahi Umar, the representative of Maraban Jos Muslims, served as the closing speaker.
The third group set out from Kan Kwana in the Unguwar Pate area of Jaji. Along the route, participants chanted elegies and mourning poems, recalling the oppression suffered by the Prophet's household and the crimes perpetrated against them.
After arriving at Kawannar Farakwai for a short rest, the group continued its journey to Lambar Zango, where this leg of the walk concluded. The closing ceremony featured a lecture by Allama Malam Abubakar Saeed, followed by supplication before the participants dispersed.
The fourth group commenced its march from Lambar Zango. In an atmosphere charged with mourning and grief, the participants walked to Trian Sarki, an area near the city of Zaria.
Following a brief rest, the pilgrims proceeded to enter the town of Zazau. The procession then moved through the Kuyan Bana gate toward the Zaria market, where the final ceremony of the day was held.
At the concluding gathering, Malam Aliyu Bakin-Ruwa addressed the participants, urging them to remain steadfast and preserve their spirit of resilience. He expressed hope that in the future, the procession would regain the vast scale witnessed in the years prior to the tragic events of 2015.
The event drew to a close with prayers and a farewell to the attendees.
Public Reception Along the Route
According to reports, the Arbaeen procession across all four groups was completed without any threats, incidents, or security obstructions.
Along various sections of the route, residents of the towns and districts through which the procession passed lined the roadsides to witness the gathering. Many onlookers expressed joy and approval at the organization of the commemoration, offering prayers for the well-being and safety of the pilgrims.
The Kaduna-to-Zaria route has historically served as a significant path for the Arbaeen procession. In the years preceding the 2015 events, participants would reportedly embark from deep within Kaduna city, walking for several days before reaching the town of Zazau.
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