Nigerian Muslims hold demo against U.S., Israel

Thousands of Nigerian Muslims gathered on Monday in the ancient city of Kano to stage a peaceful demonstration to commemorate the Ashura festival and condemn the “callous attitude” of the United States and Israel, which they accuse of threatening the peaceful co-existence of the whole world.

Demonstrators carried banners reading: "America/Israel are the real terrorists; "Saddam Hussein died for unjust cause; and "The blood of Saddam Hussein is on America’s hands".

Speaking to reporters, Mallam Sunnusi Abdulkadir, who represents Sheik Muhammad Mahmud Turi, said the demonstration was mainly aimed at celebrating Ashura, a major festival for Shia Muslims that marks the 7th century death of Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Imam Hussein, whom Abdulkadir said was killed by some enemies of progress.

However, Abdulkadir said the brutal and barbaric action taken against the blessed family at the time was being reflected nowadays by the U.S. and Israel, especially the persecution of Muslims.

Ashura means "10th," as it is on the 10th day of Muharram, and is celebrated on both the ninth and tenth days of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year.

Following the death of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), a schism developed within the Muslim community at that time as it was trying to choose who will succeed the Holy Prophet in leading the Muslim nation. This marked the beginning of the historical split between Sunni and Shia Muslims.

In the year 680 A.D. Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was murdered during a battle against the ruling Caliph -- on the 10th day of Muharram ('Ashura) in Karbala (modern-day Iraq), now considered the most important religious site for Shia Muslims.

Up until today, Muslims, both, Shia and Sunnis observe the day.

Many analysts like to refer to Nigeria as a 'multi-religious' country that hosts roughly the same number of Christians and Muslims, who are devout, and law abiding but at the same time hold passionate views on events in the Middle East, often anti-American sentiment.

Islam arrived in Nigeria in the 12th Century with North African scholars who made their way across the trade routes of the Sahara desert, bringing with them Islamic culture and learning.