Sana'a: Crowds of masses gathered on Sunday in a massive rally on Airport Street in the capital Sana'a to commemorate the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Zaid bin Ali, peace be upon him, under the slogan 'Insight and Jihad.'
According to Yemen News Agency, participants renewed their pledge to follow Imam Zaid's path, drawing inspiration from his courage, sacrifices, and revolutionary stance against tyrants and oppressors. They affirmed their commitment to defending the oppressed, upholding sacred values, and confronting arrogance and injustice regardless of challenges or sacrifices.
The crowds reiterated Yemen's steadfast and principled stance in support of Gaza and the Palestinian people and vowed to continue confronting the Israeli enemy until the aggression ends and the siege on Gaza is lifted.
They condemned the continued Arab and Islamic failure to support the Palestinian people, who face genocide, starvation, and blockade by the Israeli enemy regime with American and Western backing, as well as international and UN complicity.
The demonstrators emphasized that commemorating this occasion reflects the Yemeni people's deep connection to Imam Zaid and the Imams of guidance. It is a reaffirmation of their commitment to uphold the principles and values for which the Imams sacrificed, particularly the defense of Palestine and Islamic sanctities.
They stressed that this occasion is a key spiritual moment to draw lessons from Imam Zaid, known as the "Ally of the Qur'an," whose life exemplified courage, insight, jihad, and sacrifice in confronting tyranny-represented today by the U.S. and Israeli enemy.
The masses hailed Imam Zaid as a towering symbol of Islam and a leader of a great movement whose mission transcended time and place, aimed at rescuing the Ummah and correcting its course.
The protesters chanted powerful slogans of pride, defiance, and solidarity, including "Zaid, the voice of truth, shattered the silence of submission," and "Zaid rose to end corruption when virtue was replaced with vice."
During the rally, Grand Mufti of Yemen, Shamsuddin Sharaf al-Din, praised the massive turnout, noting that honoring such religious occasions reflects respect for the values and principles brought by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his family.
He stressed that this painful yet profound anniversary offers important spiritual lessons-teaching dignity, perseverance, and the values enshrined in the Qur'an and the life of the Prophet.
Sharaf al-Din noted that just as Imam Hussain gave his life to revive the religion and set it back on course, Imam Zaid continued this divine mission by confronting the oppression and tyranny of the Umayyad rulers, whose corruption devastated the Ummah.
He pointed out that tyrants, past and present, show no concern for Muslim sanctities, nor do they care about offenses against the Prophet. Today's rulers remain silent as Gaza endures massacres, revealing their submission and betrayal-contrary to the noble path of Ahl al-Bayt.
Turning to the situation in Gaza, he condemned those who ignore the suffering of the people there. "Anyone who remains silent while Gaza starves and thirsts, without expressing support or sympathy, deserves the curse of God, His Messenger, the angels, and all people until the Day of Judgment."
Addressing scholars of the Muslim world, he said, 'If the scholars of the Ummah stand up, the Ummah will rise. If leaders fail us, scholars must not.'
Sharaf al-Din praised Yemen's unwavering stance in support of Gaza since the beginning of Al-Aqsa Flood operation. 'Since day one, the Yemeni people have stood by Gaza with words, deeds, funds, and even drones and missiles-thanks be to God.'
He concluded with a powerful message to scholars and rulers: 'Fear God and move to support Gaza. Fear none but Him-for He will hold you accountable. Rulers must also fulfill their responsibilities, for tomorrow the followers will disown their leaders.'