Shi’ite Procession:Zakzaky, Gumi trade words over blockade

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Prominent Islamic Scholars in the North, Sheik Ahmad Mahmud Gumi and leader of Shi’ite movement, Sheikh Ibraheem Yaqoub Zakzaky have engaged in a war of words over regular mass procession of the Shi’ite members.

Sheik Gumi, in an open letter to Zakzaky, had told the Shi’ite leader that, he was leading millions of youths astray and Allah will not forgive him if he (Zakzaky) dies without repenting.

Zakzaky, in a swift reaction through the Head of Media Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (Shi’ite), Ibrahim Usman said, Gumi’s letter was written with insidious intent to pave way for a greater

onslaught on him and members of Islamic movement.

The letter, titled: ‘My Brother Ibraheem El-Zakzaky: it’s not too late to repent’, Gumi said, “After egistering my condolences to the recent loss of your three children who were gunned down by some elements in the military, I find it an obligation to help you see that some of your actions too are the contributing factors in this unfortunate avoidable tragedy.

“What I fear most for you and your followers is that the consequence of this tragedy may further alienate your group from the mainstream society and create a cult -if it’s not already one – with disastrous consequences on you, your followers and the nation at large. For you especially on the Day of Judgment you will have your account to answers.

“My brother, you have brought a lot of bad innovations among Nigerian Muslims, that rather than unite the Muslims are further entrenching the divide without any added value to the worldly development nor the hereafter, but rather with serious theological implications in the hereafter.

“How can you be the good servants of Allah when you call other human beings beside him? We saw your placards calling: Ya Hussein; Hussein the Son of Ali – May Allah be pleased with them and all the

companions- is dead. He can never answer your call and he will never.

He will also deny you on the Day of Judgment for calling him. The best you can do for any dead person is to pray for Allah’s mercy upon him.”

According to Zakzaky, “I am not surprised with the content of an open letter written by Dr. Gumi at this particular time (forget the sinister “My Brother” tone and the crocodile tears of condolence). The

choice of the time to write the letter gave Dr. Gumi a way, he was all out to attack me and the Arba’een symbolic trek currently taking place across the country. I am used to his constant attacks on me and Shi’a.

“According to Dr. Gumi, Allah has given the government the “license to shoot them”. And the government heeded to the call. A week after,armed combined security operatives shot two people during the Quds Dayprocession in Zaria. The series of machinations by the government against the Islamic Movement in Nigeria had always been with the tacit support of Dr. Gumi and his adherents.