ZARIA, Nigeria: As the Muslims in different parts of the world celebrated the birth day of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his holy progeny)’s daughter Saydah Fatimah (A.S), the Muslims in Nigeria under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky were not left behind in this great occasion.

On Thursday the 20th of Jimada Al Thaniy 1428 (7/07/2008), Muslim Sisters of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria organised the ceremony for the birthday of Saydah Fatima (A.S.). Thousands of brothers and sisters attended the ceremony in Zaria City scheduled from 10: 00 am to 8: 00 pm to participate in the programmes and listen to the lectures delivered especially by Sheikh Zakzaky.

In the morning a parade, quiz on the life of Saydah Fatima (A.S) and current affairs were organised. Another group of artists presented a stage drama at the event.

The first speaker, Malam Zeenatudden Ibraheem Zakzaky spoke on the life of Imam Khomeini (R) who was born on the same day.

The second lecture was delivered by Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky. He explained in detail the life, status and the position of Saydah Fatima (A.S) to the Ummah. He started with an introduction of her father’s status who was the best of all Allah's creature. He quoted some references from Qur'anic verses and Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his holy progeny) in favour of Saydah Fatima (A.S) to enable the listeners understand the lecture. Among the verses he cited include the verse of purification (33:33), reward (42:23), Mubahala (3:61) and the hadith of Thaqalayn (two Weighty things).

Sheikh explained that the above verses remove any doubt on who are the Ahl al Bayt of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.A.), Sheikh has said they are Ali, Fatimah and their sons Hassan and Hussein not as other Islamic scholars interpret to include the entire people residing in the prophet Muhammad's house. He told the listeners that Almighty Allah raised the status of Prophet's Progeny above others as He so wish and no one is able to question Him. Our own is just to hear and obey to benefit, otherwise we may mislead ourselves from the right path.

He noted that Saydah Fatima (A.S) is an example to show us that no one is better that the other among the men and women in the sight of Allah except those are the best in good deed. He concluded the lecture with counsels to Muslims especially brothers in regard to treating their wives with mercy as directed by the Prophet of Islam even during his last hour. Every one among the spouse has his own burden carry out and will be question about it on the judgment day. He concluded with praying that those Mouluds be the source of Islamic revival to the Ummah.

In the night, a book of his previous year’s lectures on Saydah Zahra's birth day was launched. More than 600 thousand Naira was contributed with the promise of more than one and half million Naira. He lead the Magrib and Isha' with prayers at the end of the programmes.