The foremost Shi’a organisation in Nigeria, the Rasulul A’azam Foundation (RAAF), has dissociated itself from the radical views of the wife of the leader of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN),  Zinat Zakzakay.

In a statement by its Chairman, Muhammad Nura Dass, RAAF condemned what it called her provocative utterances during the fourth international conference organised by the group in Kano on April 11.

RAAF said the teachings of Shi’a Islam do not advocate for violence against a legitimate government in any circumstance.

It maintained that Shiites believe in a united and democratic Nigeria under the 1999 Constitution and reiterated that Shiites would not participate in or support any act that would violate the laws.

“We, the Rasulul A’azam Foundation, strongly dissociate ourselves and Shiites from her radical views of taking revenge or taking arms against the state.

“There is no place in the teachings of Shi’a Islam to fight a legitimate government on account of being provoked.

“It has never been the doctrinal, philosophical and political objectives of the Shi’ah in Nigeria to establish an Islamic government.

“The Shiites believe in a united, just, peaceful, progressive and democratic Nigeria, under the Constitution.

“Shiism is completely different from the dark picture painted by such baseless movements,” the statement said.

The organisation appealed to the Federal Government to treat Shiites with respect and honour, stressing that their doctrine is one of peace.

[TheNAtion]