Haider Ajina's News From Iraq

Haider Ajina, an American of Iraqi heritage, writes from California:

Greetings,

The following is a headline and article in the October 6 edition of the Iraqi Arab newspaper "Al-Mendhar".

Ayatollah Hussein Al Sadr (Iraqi Shiite Reference): Politicization of Religion diminishes its Sacredness

Baghdad ? Ayatollah Hussein Ismael Al Sadr, Iraqi Shiite reference, has called to refrain from the politization of religion. He confirmed, "The role of religion is guidance and enlightenment for the purpose of maintaining its sacredness."

He condemned the presence of armed militias (such as Mehdi Army etc....) in Iraq "as they weaken the role of the state and terminate the existence of law."
In an interview with Al Sharq Al Awsat at his office, which includes four bookshelves, abundant in cultural books, [We have witnessed them, by chance, and there might be other bookshelves at his house in the city of Al Kazimiyah (north of Baghdad), which we did not have a chance to see. They contain books on several religious issues; sects and religions, and scientific and literary topics]. The religious reference pointed out, "Religion plays the role of direction, enlightenment, and offering advice. It should not be dragged into the political process, as this diminishes its sacredness. Religion should not be politicized."

Al Sadr confirmed the existence of Iranian interference in Iraqi affairs. He said, "At present, the Iraqi arena is open for everyone, including Iran and many foreign parties that seek for establishing their existence in Iraq, mainly because of the open borders, and the available state of freedom. I believe that several neighboring countries have presence in Iraq. The terrorists that arrive from Arab countries represent the presence of these countries in Iraq."

Ayatollah Hussein Al Sadr refused to respond to a question on whether the extremist Shiite clergyman, Muqtada Al Sadr (son of Mohamed Sadeq Al Sadr) is the heir of the Sadri Trend and whether his supporters are followers of this trend, or not?

Ayatollah Hussein Al Sadr confirmed that he is against the presence of armed militias in Iraq. He said, "We certainly are against the presence of militias in the country. On the contrary, we are in favor of the existence of a strong state that stresses the significance of the law."

The Shiite reference denied the occurrence of a civil war in Iraq. He said, "Whoever bets on the civil war actually desires that a civil war takes place in Iraq, while the reality is contrary to that. I am witnessing the Iraqi reality with all its forms and variations. I believe that there are no indications for a civil war, or the like. We have held continuous meetings with our sons and dear ones of Shiaas, Sunnis, Kurds, Turkmen, Christians, Sabaens, and Yezidis. They all stress the unity on Iraq and its safety, and that Iraq should remain united. Nevertheless, there have always been extremists in the community, who attempt to ignite sectarian, racial and religious sedition. We can get over such sedition with the efforts of the honest people in Iraq. A few days ago, I had meetings with many Sunni clan chiefs. I called for a covenant of honor among Iraqi clans that prescribes that no clan attacks another and no members of a certain clan attack members of another clan. We are seeking for expanding such covenant to include the other Shiite clans."

Ayatollah Al Sadr stressed the importance of the role of clergymen of all sects in standing against terrorism in Iraq. He said, "Religious references and scholars have a great effect in the Iraqi community, as religion is a deep-rooted issue in the community. A reference or clergyman, regardless of his religion or sect, should have a great effect and establish a sound cultural structure, in addition to standing against all devious trends that desire to distort Islam and the divine messages. Clergymen should direct humans to respect humanity, first of all. The Quran says, 'We have honored human beings' and 'if anyone slew a person, unless it be for murder or spreading mischief in the land, it would be as if he slew the whole people. And if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.' This means that human beings have been honored and their murder is prohibited, regardless of their religion, race, or sect. This honor has been granted on behalf of Allah to Man for his humanity, first of all."

Al Sadr has called for activating a Fatwa (religious opinion), which was issued on behalf of a Sunni clergyman. Al Sadr said, "More than a year ago, we have called for issuing a Fatwa that prohibits terrorism and murder. We have issued a Fatwa that was signed by me, in addition to a top Sunni scholar (Professor Sheikh Abdel Qader Al Ani) and a top Christian priest. This Fatwa should have been activated but the circumstances have hindered its execution. We are currently working on launching an organization for humanitarian dialogue for supporting brotherhood, love, and peace among Iraqi constituents, with all their religions, sects and races. We are holding many meetings in this regard with clan chiefs, and Sunni and Shiite scholars."

Haider's comments,

This type of separation of religion and politics is a strong school of thought amongst Iraqi Shiites. A very large majority of Iraqi Shiites understand and believe in separating religion from politics. Iranian & Lebanese (Hisbullah) Shiites however have a strong belief that religion should shape & control politics. We hear very little about Muslim leaders who have the courage to condemn terrorism and the killing of humans. While a number of them do voice their condemnation the media gives them little attention. Those who misrepresent and distort Islam get much more media attention.

Regards
Haider Ajina