Sana'a: The Islamic Forum in Sana'a commemorated the martyrdom of Imam Zaid (peace be upon him) during a speech event held under the slogan "Insight and Jihad." The event took place on Saturday and was attended by the Advisor to the President of the Supreme Political Council, Ambassador Abdul-Ilah Hajer.
According to Yemen News Agency, the Mufti of Yemen, Allamah Shamsuddin Sharafuddin, emphasized that commemorating this occasion is an opportunity to seek guidance, light, steadfastness, and certainty in the righteous path and straight way brought by the Prophet (peace be upon him and his household). He highlighted the negative impact of the Umayyads on the past and present of the Ummah, stating that they instilled concepts that deviated from the teachings of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and the authentic Muhammadan Islam.
Allamah Sharafuddin expressed concern over how the Umayyad era altered the features of religion, increased deviation within the Ummah, and worsened matters to extreme limits. He noted that Imam Zaid (peace be upon him) felt compelled to declare his famous statement: "By Allah, the Book of Allah does not permit me to remain silent." Sharafuddin explained that Imam Zaid's thought, which aligns with the teachings of the Messenger of Allah and the Quran, openly declares enmity towards oppressors and aligns with the beliefs of all prophets and messengers.
He further noted that Yemenis today are carrying Imam Zaid's thought, standing firm against tyranny, and selling themselves in the cause of Allah. He criticized some scholars for discouraging people from jihad and focusing on worldly matters, leading to a disconnect from the reality of the Ummah and ongoing events such as the massacres in Gaza.
The Mufti of Yemen clarified misconceptions regarding the motivations behind the uprisings of Imam Ali, Imam Hussein, and Imam Zaid, asserting that these uprisings aimed to restore the boundaries of Allah's religion and reform the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him and his household). He affirmed the importance of not compromising religious values for worldly gain.
Allamah Abdul-Majeed Al-Houthi, Head of the Awqaf Authority, described the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Zaid as a painful reminder of a dark phase in Islamic history when the essence of Islam was overshadowed. He asserted that the uprisings of Imam Zaid and Imam Hussein embodied the voice of Muhammadan Islam, striving for truth and justice against oppression.
Al-Houthi emphasized that the path of Imam Zaid has inspired freedom fighters for over 1,300 years, with revolutionaries following his example. He criticized the Umayyad ideology for stripping the Ummah of dignity and legitimizing oppression, and he urged following Imam Zaid's footsteps to support the Palestinian people.
Deputy Secretary-General of the Islamic Forum, Allamah Abdullah Al-Shadhili, described the martyrdom of Imam Zaid as a significant tragedy in Islamic history. He stressed the importance of drawing lessons from Imam Zaid's courage, sacrifice, and commitment to confronting tyrants and supporting truth and the oppressed.
Al-Shadhili reviewed Imam Zaid's life and struggle, emphasizing the importance of commemorating his martyrdom to follow the path of the Quran's ally and his revolution against tyranny and arrogance.