Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Iran The Champion of the Palestinian Cause

IRAN - THE CHAMPION OF THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE

spiritual system under which all Muslims would willingly subjugate. 2. Protecting the oppressed peoples of the earth and supporting their fight against their oppressors. 3. Defending the boundaries of the Iranian motherland. 4. Inviting people to join Islam through means of da'wa. 5. Adopting a non-alliance between East and West. The above 5 Fundamental values form a central element in Irans foreign policy and its ideological platform. The export of the Iranian Revolution 79 was to form the underlying basis to counter the Arab Nationalism by aiding the radical anti-regime forces in different countries in the region which would eventually bring about the establishment of Islamic governments that would follow the Iranian Model. Khomeini sought to replace the Arab and Muslim corrupt regimes with Iranian styled Shiite governments while creating a linkage between the export of the 79 Revolution and the fight against the Western imperialism and the fight to liberate Palestine. The promotion of the Revolution entailed financial aid, military guidance and indoctrination given to the radical

To understand the Palestinian cause, we shall first review the main guidelines of Iranian foreign policy, its goals and most basic values which can be summed up in five fundamental values: 1. Founding a united, universal Nation: the Islamic Republic of Iran should lead the Muslim world toward the establishment of a universal Islamic coalition. Those who are responsible for the divides among Sunnis and Shiites are the enemies of Islam, who strive to prevent the forces of Islam from uniting. One cannot coerce the Muslims to unite. This goal can be reached only via the creation of a unified ideological and

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Iran The Champion of the Palestinian Cause

organizations like Hamas who would then be dictated later on with furthering the Iranian agenda and at the same time downplaying the Saudi Arabias and other Gulf States stakes in the Palestinian cause. Factors that have brought Hamas closer to Tehran are: Common enemy in Israel with Hamas calls for destruction of Israel form the basis of the organizations political discourse. Iran has been using this to further its image in the Muslim world ever so subtly and sophisticatedly. Hamas and its government have been striving to get financial aid since Isma'il Haniyya's government was formed, in light of the international boycott that was declared on and enforced against it after the elections. Iran has taken upon itself a commitment to provide the organization with economic aid since the 1990s. This aid has bloated over the years. Right after Hamas's victory, Iran gave it 50 million dollars in aid. It also promised to help out in projects related to rehabilitating the infrastructure that was ruined during the second Intifada. Hamas has therefore willingly succumbed to Iranian political, military and economic patronage. It has been running a liaison office in Tehran and its officials hold frequent meetings with Iranian government officials and Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders.

Hamas's relations with the moderate Arab axis (Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan) have loosened and suffered from ups and downs in recent years. These conflicting relations enabled Syria and Iran to embrace Hamas and its exiled leadership. The organization's Political Bureau operates in Damascus, and Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders go there quite often for meetings with Mash'al and his entourage. The Damascus-Tehran-Hamas axis has become so tight that Mash'al has been accused of getting his orders directly from Iran.

The export of the Iranian Revolution 79 was to form the underlying basis to counter the Arab Nationalism by aiding the radical anti-regime forces in different countries in the region which would eventually bring about the establishment of Islamic governments that would follow the Iranian Model.

The Muslim Brotherhood, as the mother organization of Hamas, has expressed a rather moderate viewpoint regarding Iran and the Shiites on dogmatic issues, and, according to anti-Shiite elements, it has not been able to

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Iran The Champion of Palestine Cause

divert Hamas's inclination toward Iran on key political issues, thus proving it has no actual influence upon the latter. Hamas has been blamed by antiShiite elements for ignoring Iran's master plan to rule the Middle East and its support for the Shiite militias that slaughter Iraqi Sunnis. This support has been realized in Mash'al declarations in which he reiterated that Hamas would stand alongside Iran if the latter were attacked by Israel, saying that Iran is Hamas's most steadfast ally.

despite internal opposition to the kidnapping and its timing, expressed by Isma'il Haniyya, Hamas Government's Prime Minister. The declared Iranian support of Hamas and the Palestinian issue enables Iran to present itself as the leader of the Muslim world in a way that transcends any religious law schools or ShiiteSunni rift, especially in light of Iran's problematic image resulting from its involvement in the war in Iraq. Supporting Hamas legitimizes Iran's continuous activity in the Arab world since it takes under its custody an organization that opposes Israel and is under Israeli blockade since Hamas's victory in January 2006's elections. Supporting Hamas reduces the latter's objection of any missionary activity inside Palestine. As we shall see later on, in recent years several arenas of Shiite activity have appeared on the surface in the Palestinian theater, especially under PIJ initiative with the latter's acting under Iran's direct orders. Hamas's leadership appears not to release many anti-Shiite declarations, since it does not wish to anger Iran, its highly valuable strategic patron. Supporting Hamas also enables Iran to get declarations of

Irans Success with Hamas Irans deep interest in the Palestinian cause has not come as a dead weight but has given it greater mileage as discussed below. It has been able to establish an entangled network of loyal allies that serve its interest, from Iraq through Lebanon's Hezbollah via Palestine. Hamas's loyalty has been expressed, for instance, in the aftermath of the kidnapping of the Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, in June 2006, when Hamas' Head of the Political Bureau, Khalid Mash'al, residing in Damascus, seemed to have followed the orders of Tehran and expressed his allegiance to his ally, even at the price of worsening the already bad situation of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Iran The Champion of Palestine Cause

support from the Sunni organizations leaders, thus helping the cause of exporting the Islamic Revolution. The championing of the Al Quds Mosque by Iran and its support is echoed through out the world with rallies being taken out in all major Muslim countries. What needs to be considered is that Shiites believe that the real Al Quds Mosque is in Heaven and the Muslim world is being deceived by Irans chicanery. Therefore, it is very pertinent to rise up in defence of AlAqsa Mosque and to call attention to the fact that the Shiite books and their authorized sources, which they wrote with their own hands, indicate that they have no regard or recognition for AlAqsa Mosque in its present location. They also hold that real Al-Aqsa mosque is in the Heaven and that majority of people mistakenly believe that it is the mosque that is in Palestine!!

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Pakistan and the Shiite Spill over

PAKISTAN AND THE IRANIAN SHIITES SPILLOVER

The Iranian Revolution by and large hit Pakistan more than any other country. More so because of the fact that till 1979, the 32 year old Pakistan was governed by 12 years of Shiite rule. Iskander Mirza, Pakistans first martial Law administer was a Shia ruled for 4 years Yahya Khan, another Shia ruled for 3 years Zulfikar Ali Bhutto ruled for 5 years

More than 12 years of direct Shiite rule had dis-embered East-Pakistan from its West Wing, paved way for Iranian Influence in the foreign policy apart from many other controversies. The revolution coincided with the Russian Invasion of Afghanistan and 2 years into the Zia rule. The Pakistani Shiites were emboldened by their co-religionists success in neighbouring Iran. The Movement for the Implementation of Shiism (Tehrik Nifaz Fiqh-e-Jafria) was launched at Khomeinis orders under the leadership of senior Shiite cleric,

Mufti Jaffer Hussain in 1979. The name of the organization is worrisome considering Shiites dont even amount to more than 10% of Pakistans total population. And which more than explains the underlying under-tones of the Iranian Expansionist agenda of the Shiitization of Pakistan. Never-the less, the movement and its student proxy Imamia Students Organization conducted wide-spread protests against Zias Islamization policies, the most famous was the take-over of the National Assembly in a bid to exclude shias from the Zakat imposition laws. That this was one of the first and more direct steps towards a revolt against Islam (i.e. Sunnism) and can rightly be argued as the start of a sectarian war fuelled by Shiite political activism.

The Iranian Revolution by and large hit Pakistan more than any other country.
On a national and Micro level, the revolution inspired the mass publication and distribution of Shiite literature financed by the Khana hae farang Iran (Iranian Cultural Centres) which were

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Pakistan and the Shiite Spill over

built with Iranian Support in large and small cities of the country. This literature which was full of Shiite abuse of the Sahaba and Ummuhat-ulMomineen, besides the Shiite belief of the alleged tampering of the Quran was a direct assault on mainstream Islamic beliefs. The situation was exacerbated more-so by the fact that many Ulama did not object to such literature besides a few. The Jamat-e-Islami Pakistan totally ignored the Iranian Shiite Attempts to corrupt Muslim beliefs, and instead supported a Khomeini inspired revolution in Pakistan. That such Shiite attempts did not stop there, soon became a cause of concern for senior Ulama and scholars alike. Sunni mosques were being taken over, coupled by the fact that Iranian Inspired Guerilla groups started massacring sunnis, the 1985 Quetta Carnage was by and large the final tombstone on which the Sunni Resurgence was to be laid. Other incidents included the burning of Quran and effigies of Hazrat Umar and Hazrat Aisha in cities like Jhang, Dera Ghazi Khan, Karachi and others.

On a national and Micro level, the revolution inspired the mass publication and distribution of Shiite literature

On 6th September 1985, Maulana Haq Nawaz Jhangvi, a Sunni cleric from Jhang laid the foundation of the Sipahe-Sahaba Pakistan, a movement meant for defending the rights of sunnis in Jhang. What started as a movement for one city soon found mass support in rest of Pakistan and in less than 3 years became the foremost defense line of the Pakistani Muslims against Iran and its Shiite proxies in Pakistan. This is by no-way a discounting of the fact that similar platforms were initiated by Mainstream Ulama such as the Sawwad-e-Azam led by Mufti Ahmedur-Rahman, Maulana Yusuf Ludhianwi & others, Khuddam Ahl-e-Sunnat of Maulana Qazi Mazhar Hussain, Tanzeem Ahl-e-Sunnat of Maulana Abdul Sattar Taunsvi. What has made Sipah-eSahaba the main anti-thesis to the Iranian attempts to Shitize Pakistan is its longevity and the fact that despite 28 years, the organisation is still very much a part & parcel of the Sunni scene. Another reason of Sipah-e-Sahabas credibility and popularity owes to the fact that it took the Shiite goals / beliefs in the popular imagination of the masses. What was previously written by authoritative Ulama in books was soon translated in the popular slogan Kafir Kafir Shia Kafir-the raison detre of Sipah-e-Sahaba. Books such as: Irshad-ul-Shia by Maulana Sarfaraz Khan Safdar Irani Inquilab,Shiiyat aur Khomeini by Maulana Manzur Ahmed Naumani Dau Mutazaad Tasveerain by Maulana Syed Abul Hassan Ali Nadwi

financed by the Khana hae farang Iran (Iranian Cultural Centres) which were built with Iranian Support in large and small cities of the country. This literature was full
On 6 September Haq Nawaz of Shiite abuse of Maulana the Sahaba and
th

Ummuhat-ul-Momineen. the foundation of the Sipah-e-Sahaba

Jhangvi, a Sunni cleric from Jhang laid

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Pakistan and the Shiite Spill over

Khomeini aur Shia Ithna Ashari kay mutaliq Ulama-e-Karam ka muttafiqa faisala

These books were written after the 1979 Revolution, and adds up to the compendium of books available on Shiism by the Ulama of the Indian SubContinent. These books were utilised by the Sipah-e-Sahaba, in a bid to educate the masses that yes, Shias are Kafirs as opined in our slogans, but why are we calling them Kafir, for that you need to read these books of the Ulama. Another reason for Sipah-e-Sahabas relevance to the Sunni cause, is that unlike the previous movements such as Sawwad-eAzam Ahl-e-Sunnat, Khuddam Ahl-eSunnat and others, is the presence of youngsters both literate and illiterate besides students of Madaris and Ulama. Where-as the other movements mostly had rectors of Madaris and religious seminary students, Sipah has to its credit the inclusion of students, doctors, lawyers & laborers as well. As to what Maulana Haq Nawaz and his organisation achieved vis--vis the Shiite onslaught in Pakistan, 1. The shifting from a defensive to an offensive position Where-as previously our scholars used to defend Shiite allegations against Sahaba, Ummuhat-ul-Momineen and in the light of solid arguments make those allegations null and void. This defensive stance was changed by Maulana Haq Nawaz into an offensive ones by his argument that Shias are kafir because of their crooked beliefs (such as considering their Imams on a higher

pedestal of virtue than the Prophets of Allah, allegations that the Holy Quran has been tampered with, that Sahaba turned apostate after the Holy Prophets death). Where our Ulama used to defend and up-hold the honor of Shiite criticisms of Sahaba, today Shiites have been put into that position courtesy Maulana Haq Nawaz for defending their alleged Islam. 2. Iranian Revolution Revolution = Shia

The Khomeinist Revolution was being hailed as an Islamic Revolution by the Iranian State as well as the world-wide media. Images such as the covering-up of woman, control of vices such as alcohol and prostitution in Iran, and efforts to ignore Shia-Sunni differences was being appreciated as the makings of a truly Islamic change in Iran. Maulana Haq Nawaz in his speeches and public gatherings changed the opinions of the masses by high-lighting Khomeinis credentials as a Shiite Scholar and his beliefs as evidenced from his books

Maulana Haq Nawaz unified the three schools of Sunni thought (Deobandi, Barelwi and Ahl-e-Hadith) in the Indian Sub-Continent vis--vis the Sipah platform. Just like previously Ulama of these three schools got together in a bid to declare Qadianis as Non-Muslims, in the same way Maulana made Sipah as the rallying call for the unity so as to declare Shiites as NonMuslims.
Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Pakistan and the Shiite Spill over

Kash-Al-Asrar, Tahrir-ul-Waseela, Jihad Al Akbar, Islamic Government among others. The Maulana proved that Khomeini in no way differs from his Shiite predecessors when it comes to beliefs regarding Imamate, Sahaba & Quran. Then how can he be hailed as a truly Islamic leader who downplays or rejects Shiite leanings? And how can his revolution be Non-Shiite with an aim to not Shiitize Irans neighbouring countries where-ever the revolution was planning to be exported? 3. Boycotting Shiites Socioculturally and economically Where-as previously the masses were relatively quite unaware of the Shiite question, and considered them Muslims, they used to have marital relations with Shiites, eat their food, buy from Shiite shops and traders, have meat cut from Shiite butchers etc. Maulana Haq Nawaz popularized what the Ulama had said (i.e. Shias are Kafir), therefore dont marry them, dont wed your sons and daughter to them. This way there would be no Zina which unaware Sunnis were technically doing when they had married Shiites as in the religious dogma there is no Nikah between Sunni and Shia (since Shiites are Non-Muslims). Because of the widespread appeal of the Maulanas message, Sunnis who had married Shias, called off their marriages and thus got rid of such perversity and ignorance. When Sunnis stopped buying meat from Shiite butchers, they were saved from eating Haram food as the Zabiha (slaughtering of the animal) by a NonMuslim (in this case Shia) becomes un-

fit for eating. When Sunnis stopped having trade relations with Shiites and buying products from Shiite run shops, they in a way stopped contributing to Shiite power. As what-ever Shiites earn goes in some way or the other towards publishing their religious literature, financing their religious institutions and thus the onslaught against the Sunnis. 4. No religious Shiite gatherings to be attended Previously layman Sunnis used to attend Shiite Majalis or mourning gatherings held in honor of Ahl-e-Bayt. Such Sunnis were most likely to be influenced and hence converted by the Shiite attachment to the Ahl-e-Bayt (while ignoring the implications of twisted Shiite beliefs which makes a Shia inessence a Non-Muslim). Maulana Haq Nawaz checked that trend by conducting huge conferences commemorating the martyrers of Islam especially during the Muharram days when the Shiites also used to conduct their gatherings. This way Sunnis were caught in a trap to attend their gatherings rather than the Shiites. This way the Sunni was kept busy and thus also learned about Shiite beliefs in the anti-Shia gatherings (of Sipah-e-Sahaba) 5. Unity among the Sunnis Maulana Haq Nawaz unified the three schools of Sunni thought (Deobandi, Barelwi and Ahl-e-Hadith) in the Indian Sub-Continent vis--vis the Sipah platform. Just like previously Ulama of these three schools got together in a bid to declare Qadianis as Non-Muslims,in the same way Maulana made Sipah as

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Pakistan and the Shiite Spill over

the rallying call for the unity so as to declare Shiites as Non-Muslims. When Shiite literature was being brazenly distributed, all these schools of thought found a common front as Shiites attacked mainstream Sunni beliefs which these three schools share. 6. An end to aiding/propagating Shiite symbolism Because of the wide-spread Shiite propaganda against the Sahaba, unaware Sunnis used to adopt the Shiite religious symbolisms namely the wearing of Shiite bangles, making Halwa or sweet dishes on 22nd Rajab, and etc. Maulanas Sipah educated both the urbane and village masses of such Shiite symbolisms, and how they are meant to aid Shiitization of Sunnis. Shiites commemorate the death of Hazrat Ameer Muawiyya (R.A.) on 22nd Rajab by distributing Halwa and then term the act as commemorating the birth of Imam Jafer Sadiq (upon whose name the Shiites name their fiqh as Jafria). While Imam Jafer was neither born nor died on that date. All similar acts were put an end to Al-Hamdulillah. 7. Recent converts stop adopting Shiism Non-Muslims such as Hindus, Christians, Parsi and others when-ever used to think about converting to Islam, they considered Shiites as a 5th school of thought just like ShafI, Hanfi, Maliki and Hanbali. With Sipahs wide-spread propagandeering, this trend was checked and thus Non-Muslims were made aware the Shiite threat (as a Non-

Muslim based on its beliefs and how they are counter to Islam). 8. Shiites adopt True Islam I feel the biggest impact Maulanas work has had on the serious-minded Shiites themselves who based on an inadequate knowledge of Shiism and how it contradicts Islam adopted true Islam when shown the light. Many Shiites did not know how their religious books have hurled abuse on the Prophets Companions, the Prophets Wives, how they have alleviated the status of Shiite Imams to that of the Prophets of Allah, how they have maligned Quran by calling it tampered. Maulanas Sipah helped burst the myth that such beliefs can go hand in hand with an outerprojection of love for the Prophets family and thus dupe the lay-man Shiite that he is following true Islam. For loving the Prophets family can in no way be considered the sole pre requisite for faith while rejecting the men who conveyed the Prophets message to the world (i.e. Sahaba), cursing the Prophets Wives and regarding Quran as being tampered with. These beliefs intheir selves demolish the very foundations of faith. Shiite Inroads On account of the above-mentioned accomplishments, Maulana Jhangvis organisation is still very much a cause of concern for Shiite designs of taking over Pakistan. This can be seen in the light of Ulama and workers of Sipah being martyred every 2nd day in Pakistan. Since its inception in 1985 to-date (i.e. 9900 days) some 5000 workers and

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Pakistan and the Shiite Spill over

cadres of the Sipah have been gunned down by the Iranian Inspired Shiite militias operating both within and outside the domains of the Pakistan Government and Intelligence agencies. The Shiite response to the Sipahs rising popularity and relevance, has evolved from overt to covert. The changing of their movement from Tehrik Nifaz Fiqhe-Jafria (Movement for the Implementation of Shiism) to Tehrik-eJafria (Movement of the Shiites) very much sums it up. This trend was coupled by the fact by the inclusion of educated Shiites into the various upcoming and old political parties alike. Men such as Faisal Raza Abdi of the Pakistan Peoples Party Asif Ali Zardari of the Pakistan Peoples Party Hyder Abbas Rizvi of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Syed Wasay Jaleel of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Zulfikar Ali Mirza of the Pakistan Peoples Party

Going hand in hand with this form of chic activism, were the rise of Shiite journalists and reporters in the media arena. Media channels such as Dawn Tv, Geo Tv, Aaj Tv, Ary News, Express Tv are by and large controlled and overshadowed by Shiite agendas. Whereas religious gatherings of Shiites are hailed and projected as national days, and wide-spread air time is allotted to them, similar gatherings and conferences by Sunni leaders are at most avoided or ignored. And who is ignoring the rise and rise of Shiites in the bureaucracy, Army and the civil service? That this was prevalent before the revolution, there is no denying that, but the revolution has put Sunnis in a quagmire as to the true loyalties of Shiites present in powerful positions? And there is no denying that Iran is first and foremost the Vatican and Qiblah towards which all Shiites look forward for inspirations and aspirations. To sum up, I would like to quote the examples of the Shiite Abbas brothers: Major General Ather Abbas DG ISPR (Director General InterServices Public Relations) Mazhar Abbas of the ARY channel and former head of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Azhar Abbas, Managing Director of Geo Tv Zafar Abbas, Editor Dawn News

Were the products of ingrained and a subtle form of Shiite activism without being totally Shiite on the front. Put in other words once in the party, you get to roll the roast your way. Such manic Shiites were behind the scenes of millitias such as Sipah-e-Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Mehdi, Sipah-e-Mehdi and others, whose main prerogative was the massacre of Sunni Ulama, cadres and sympathizers mostly associated with the Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan.

I leave up to the reader to assume and presume!

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Pakistan and the Shiite Spill over

Conclusion Only time would tell what alternative strategies the Sunnis adopt to check the counter-evolving stratagems of the politically/religiously motivated Shiites of Pakistan. That Sipah-e-Sahaba is the only last man standing in this battle of the minds, is a sad state of affairs in the short-term, but InshaAllah the future of a grand and powerful Sipah is very much on the cards in the Long-term. Relevant efforts have to be made by the educated Sunnis belonging to the upper middle class of Pakistani society to up the anti. Till then Ulama and cadres, sympathizers would continue to be maimed and killed by the ever-alert Shiite ascendancy.

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Iraq and the Iranian Revolution 79

IRAQ AND THE IRANIAN REVOLUTION 79

Since 1920s Iraq has been very much under Sunni Rule. The Saddam regime with secular leanings did not rely / trust on Shiites courtesy their loyalties with the Iranian revolution. Therefore we see discrimination and killings of rogue Shiite elements such as Baqir Al-Sadr, and members of the Al-Hakim family coupled with the crackdown on all Iranian inspired guerillas (such as the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution Iraq). That the 8 years war between Iran and Iraq, was the result of increased proselytization among the Shiites by the Iranian regime to topple the Sunni regime. The war had all the designs of the Iranian regime being supported by the Israeli and American regimes. The contra-Iran affair is one such example. The Saddam years saw a drop in Shiite political activism and even the yearly Muharram mournings. Nevertheless, the Saddam years saw the rise of dissent among the religiously and

politically motivated Shiites owing to their coreligionists revolution in Iran. Saddam Hussein aimed for a pan Arab domination, thereby invading Kuwait in 1991. That Saddams was a tyrant regime, there is no denying that, but the 1991 Invasion by the USA signaling the first Gulf War (even though the regime in neighboring Iran was a tyrant regime in itself) is not justified. Iraq had never voiced an Anti American rhetoric as compared to Irans virulent Anti American tendencies. This and many more similar trends aimed at internationalist isolation of Iraq (by the imposition of various sanctions, to the Israeli Air force bombing of the Iraqi Nuclear Plants and etc). All this points to a biased American agenda of containing the rising Sunni political ascendency. In no way is it implied that the Saddam rule was an Islamic or purely Sunni in character, but it acted as a bulwark against the Iranian agenda of attacking or downplaying Saudi Arabiss hegemony (citadel of Islam). Borrowing
Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Iraq and the Iranian Revolution 79

words from an interview to BBC, by Iranian Supreme Leader Khomeini, The first step I would take upon taking authority in Iran is I would exhume the bodies of Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umer R.A. That is why we see that the Iranian Revolution instead of helping or aiding the Sunni Mujahideen against the Russian onslaught in Afghanistan (The Iranian Revolution coincided with the Russian Invasion of Afghanistan). The first step Iran took was attacking Iraq (the Sunni Saddam Regime). This 8 year duel with Iraq, where Iran pumped everything in the war further testifies its visions of subverting the Saudi Influence in the region and hence the Sunni agenda. American Invasion 2003 The American Invasion put an end to more than 40 year old Saddam Hussein Rule and placed instead an Iranian Shiite Puppet, Nuri Al Maliki, SCIRI (Supreme Council of Islamic Revolution in Iraq), Sistani and others. That is why we see the quietist cleric (Taqiyya Centric), Ali Al Sistani welcomed the American Invasion as the perfect recipe for change. In a major fatwa, he called all Iraqis (read Shiites) to participate in the American sanctioned Elections. This was contrary to the decades old quietest tradition of Sistani and his predecessor Al Khoi which called for all Shiites to not participate in the political machinery under the Sunni Saddam. This also meant a major break from Al Khois stance on political activist Shiism (During the 80 to 88 War Iraqs Khoi

sided with Saddam against the Khomeinist Vilayate Faqih Model to be imposed on Iraq, Sistani was the successor after Al Khoi death).

The first step I would take upon taking authority in Iran is I would exhume the bodies of Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umer EnterR.A. Zarqawi
The American Invasion saw the rise of greater Shiite mileage in the post Saddam era. After occupying the Iraqs territories, the US used to pave way for the Iraqi Army police and security forces (comprising of mainly Shia elements). That is why we see the rise of Sunni pogroms (mass massacre of Sunnis) operating under the guise of Iraqi security forces, police and army who allegedly had the backing of Muqtada Al Sadrs Mahdi Militia and Al Hakims Badr. Such and many more similar atrocities saw the rise of Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, a Jordanian Al Qaeda affiliate. Zarqawis AQI (Al Qaeda in Iraq) besides targeting the American security forces also attacked its Shiite affiliates. In a historic letter to Osama Bin Ladin, Zarqawi elaborates contextual justifications for the attacks on the Shiites. Taking a leaf out of this letter: Imam Bukhari says Not in the house have I prayed behind a Shiite.. They are not to be greeted, they are not to be congratulated on holidays they

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Iraq and the Iranian Revolution 79

are not to be taken into Marriages They can not bear witness. The Animals they slaughter are not to be eaten.. (Khalq Afal Al ibad, page 125). Imam Ahmed says He was asked about who had cursed Abu Bakr, Umer and Aisha (May God be pleased with them I do not see him within Islam. Imam Malik Says, He who curses the Companions of the Prophet (May God Bless him and grant him salvation) has no share or part in Islam. (Kitab Al Sunnah of Al Khallal, number 779). Imam Ibn Taymiyya in his Al Fatawa (part 28, pages 478-527) writes The Shia love the Tartars and their state because through it they achieved the glory that they did not achieve through the Muslims state They were among the greatest helpers (of the Tartars), as they seized the countries of Islam, killing Muslims and capturing their women. The story of Ibn Al Al Qami and his like with the Caliph and their case in Aleppo is famous. All the people know it. If the Muslims defeat the Christian and polytheists, this causes the distress among the Shia. And if the polytheists and Christians beat the Muslims, this occasions a holiday and joy among the Shia. Ibn Taymiyya furthers writes on page 482 Al Fatawa part 28 With this it becomes clear that they are more evil than the

sectarians and more deserving of begin fought than the Kharijies. Al Faryabi says I do not see the Shias except as atheists. (Al Lalika I part 8, page 1545)

The above references by Zarqawi meant to show that Shiites just like Jews and Christians are Non Muslims (see Imam Bukhari, Imam Malik and Imam Ahmeds verdicts above). This justifies the killing of all those Shiites who participated whole heartedly in the American siege of Iraq. Innocent Shiites civilians who showed indifference to American occupation and went on with their daily lives were not targeted. Conclusion The US withdrawal in late 2011 meant the rise of the open Sunni Shiite civil war in Iraq, where as previously the Shiites were targeting the Sunnis through the covert-tacit support of the US forces. It is now evident that post US scenario is no different with Sunnis being targeted mercilessly. It remains to be seen that till what extent the Iranian regime is prepared to go to, to satiate its thirst of toppling Sunnis powers. Despite the rising awareness of the Shiite threat in the Islamic Circles, they are still willing to further their Vilayat e- Faqih Model in establishing an Iranian Shiite Model by embroiling the countries in civil wars. (Iraq, Syria, Bahrain, Lebanon can be cited as relevant examples).

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Bahrain and the Shiite Inspired Revolutions

BAHRAIN AND THE SHIITE INSPIRED REVOLUTIONS

Well, no one can ignore the Iranian Impact on Bahrain, considering the historical fact that even before its independence in 1971, Bahrain was regarded as Irans 14th province. Bahrain as statistics show is 66-70% Shia, but taking nothing away from the Shiite majority; it remains whether the Shiites of Bahrain are given power positions by the Sunni government? The answer is Yes, Bassim bin Yaqub Al Hamer, Minister of Housing Shia Dr. Fatima Bin Mohammad Al Baluchi, Health Minister Shia Dr. Jameel Humadan,Minister of Labour Shia Dr. Abdul Hussain Bin Ali Mirza,Minister of Oil and Gas Affairs Shia Shiite Cleric Sayyid Mahdi Al-Modarressi at the helm of affairs. The current 2011 protests to-date have similar undertones: to install the Iranian inspired Velayat-e-Faqih model and further tighten the noose on Saudi Arabia.

What is Velayat-e-Faqih and why the need? Irans Khomeini during his exile days in Iraq, concocted this theory about the Governorship of the Jurist. He maintains that in the absence of the 12th Imam (Shiites believe that their 12th Imam, the Mahdi is in occultation and in hiding since the last 1200 years, and would come out near Qiyamah), the learned Faqih or cleric should rule on his behalf. In short, the theory calls for the designation of a Naib Imam (i.e. the proxy representative of the Hidden Imam). It obviously is a Shiite concept, which can never be replicated or imposed on the Sunni world without being totally Shiite in character. The Shiites since the disappearance of their 12th Imam have always believed in Taqiyyah or dissimulation. Put simply Taqiyyah is to hide your real beliefs and motives. There are numerous examples present in the Shiite books of Hadith (there are 4 Shiite Books of Hadith as compared to 6 books of the Muslims) regarding Taqiyyah

As a point of argument, I would reinstate the point, that 30% of the Iranian Population are Sunnis, they dont even have one minister in the Iranian cabinet! Its time that Iran calls for equality rather than supremacy of the Shiites. And in Bahrain, it is exactly doing the same. Immediately after the revolution, Iranian inspired militants attempted a coup, which failed. Had it been otherwise, the world would have seen a

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Bahrain and the Shiite Inspired Revolutions

Till the appearance of Mahdi, one should practice Taqiyyah Taqiyyah is my religion and the religion of my fore-fathers There is no Iman / Faith without Taqiyyah The one who does not practice Taqiyyah is a Kafir Till the time of the appearance of the Mahdi, all governments and allegiances are false-hood To pray behind a Sunni Imam whilst doing Taqiyyah is like praying behind the Holy Prophet PBUH We, (the Shiites) are ordered to read the present Quran as it is out of Taqiyyah, when the Imam Mahdi would come he would bring the Real Quran (the uncorrupted one according to Shiite belief) The one who hides his faith (out of Taqiyyah) Allah would glorify him, while the one who proclaims his faith (leaves Taqiyyah) Allah would abandon him

they dealt with the day to day affairs and guidance of Shiites. Velayat-e-Faqih, then meant the rise of Shiites in politics and the day-to-day administration of states. Which goes on to show clerics such as Khomeini, Rafsanjani, Shariatmadari, Montazzeri, Khameini rule and run the political scene in Iran. Which also meant the rise of Shiite Proxies like Amal and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Tehrik-e-Jafria, Imamia Students Organisation, Jafria Alliance in Pakistan, Hezbollah in Kuwait, Syria, Saudi Arabia and the Al-Wefaq and others in Bahrain. These proxies adhere to the Velayat-e-Faqih, and regard Khomeini and his successors as the supreme leaders. Put simply Velayat-eFaqih points to the building of a Shiite Dominion with Iran as the capital or Dar-ul-Khilafah thereby acting as the perfect substitute / alternative to the Sunni Caliphate model. Such a model coupled with the rise of Shiites both overtly and covertly is very much a cause of concern in the Sunni world, considering the Sunnis dont have a working paradigm of their own since the lone Taliban attempts from 1995-2001. In-essence the imposition of the Velayat-e-Faqih model by the sword, and Iranian Assistance in Bahrain would mean: No Sunni Mosques in Manama (Capital of Bahrain) as in Tehran (Irans Capital) No Sunni representation in the Parliament as in Iran No Sunni as President / Prime Minister as in Iran

What Velayat-e-Faqih does mean is that Taqiyyah becomes null and void, as the concept talks about Naib Imam who would rule on the Imams behalf till he returns. This contradicts Taqiyyah which in the words of Imam Jaffer Sadiq is 9/10th of Faith. This is the reason why Marja Taqlids (Senior Shiite Mullahs) such as Khoi, Sistani among others rejected Khomeinist claims, and sided rather with the centuries old quietest tradition whereby the clerics never ruled in matters of government, rather

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Bahrain and the Shiite Inspired Revolutions

Massacre of Sunni Ulama as in Iran No rights allocated to Sunnis as in Iran

In-effect, Bahrain would be the new Iran and that too at the foot-step of Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion: In the absence of any formidable Sunni alliance against the Iranian inspired Shiite onslaught, sooner or later Bahrain might fall in the hands of a Velayat-eFaqihist cleric. The need of the time is to tackle the Shiite threat on a mass socio-cultural level. Because if majority Shiites get to have their government similar to Iran, then emotions might run high among the already busy mujahideen in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria etc. To stop Bahrain from rising in flames, steps have to be taken by not just the Gulf Co-operation Council, and others. Such Shiite containing steps have been for now have been successful for calming the Shiites down, by agreeing to some of the Arab Spring protesters. But what would happen, if Shiites want more??

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Hezbollah : The Case for Lebanon

Hezbollah : The Case for Lebanon

The Shiite inspired revolution in neighboring Iran stirred up the imagination of dissenting chords in the Shiite strata of Lebanon. The revolution marked the rise of a pseudo militant movement Amal led by the influential Musa Al Sadr (of the famous Al Sadr Clerical Family of Iraq). That, the militancy espoused by Amal was not enough to satiate the thirst of radical Shiites, enter a pro Iran and a much more radical Hezbollah. Hezbollah was meant as an Iranian substitute for the many Palestinian Jihad Organizations and movements operating in and out of Lebanon by Palestinian refuges. Hezbollah stood for an independent Palestine and the independence of the Al Aqsa Mosque from Israeli control. Initially from 1983 to 1992 Hezbollah emerged as the most radical Anti US and Israel operating in the Middle East. It had to its credentials the US marine bombings, the Terra Blast in Paris, Flight Hijackings, hostage taking and all the ingredients of a perfect Guerilla Organization. Overtime Hezbollah has increased its reach from its Shiite denominations to its majority in Lebanon. Shiite account for 20% of the Lebanese demographics and the Hezbollah hold of Lebanon defies the sectarian milieu. That, Hezbollahs anti American rhetoric has won Sunni hearts is no less of a complete Iranian Shiite victory in Lebanon. That today, Hezbollah appeals to more Sunni to the larger Sunni populace as compared to Sunni Fundamentalist movements in Lebanon is no small achievement. How did Hezbollah work towards this accreditation. Hezbollah is Shiite, there is no denying that: Hasan Nasrullah takes its direct orders from the Vilayate Faqihist Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, of Iran. Hezbollah regards the late Hussein Fadlullah as their Spiritual guide. Fadlullah was an all out Shiite Cleric who never stopped hurling abuse at the Prophets Companions, be it any small pamphlet or large book (Ittehad Maslak e - Ahle Bait ki Roshni mein). In its Media channels and propaganda Al Manar Tv, Hezbollah downplays Shiite Sunni differences and calls for virulent Jihadist rhetoric. Hezbollah downplays the Shiite Sunni antagonism based on the perfect Shiite recipe : Taqiyya.

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Irans IRGC and Hezbollah Meddling in Syria

Irans IRGC and Hezbollahs meddling in Syria

Iranian Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah aiding al-Assad in Syria FSA commander Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat Free Syrian Army [FSA] commander Brigadier General Hussam Awak, who previously defected from the Syrian Air Force Intelligence Directorate, revealed that an Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corp [IRGC] armored brigade is fighting alongside al-Assad regime forces in Syria. He also claimed that Hezbollah armed brigades that specialize in snipers, explosions, and guerilla warfare are supporting the al-Assad regime in suppressing the Syrian revolution. General Awak stressed that these forces are counteracted by increasing numbers of defectors joining the FSA seeking to overthrow the al-Assad regime. In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat conducted in Cairo, FSA Brigadier General Hussam Awak revealed that an increasing number of Syrian army forces are defecting from the regime and joining the FSA, in addition to Syrian civilians themselves taking up arms to fight al-Assad regime forces. He also stressed that the Syrian popular resistance forces that are supporting the FSA are undertaking dangerous operations and they have proved their worth on the battlefield. As for reports that the IRGC is fighting alongside the al-Assad regime force, FSA General Hossam Awak told Asharq AlAwsat that on more than one occasion, we have captured IRGC officers and Iranian experts adding there is a full armored IRGC brigade operating on Syrian soil and present in the Ahmed Jibril [Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine General Command] camps in the Deir al-Ashayar region along the Lebanese Syrian border. He stressed that this is information that we are revealing publicly for the first time, although they [the IRGC armored brigade] have been present there since 2007, following Hezbollahs war with Israel. Brigadier General Awak also revealed that Hezbollah fighters are present on Syrian territory and are fighting alongside the al-Assad regime forces. He claimed that Hezbollah Brigade 101, Brigade 102, and Brigade 103, are present in the country. He claimed that Hezbollah Brigade 103 is a terrorist brigade that specializes in assassination and bombings. He added Hezbollah Brigade 101 specializes in street battles and sniper attacks, and Bashar al-Assad is utilizing this brigade against the Syrian people. General Awak also spoke to Asharq AlAwsat about Baghdads position on the Syrian revolution, particularly as the

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Irans IRGC and Hezbollah Meddling in Syria

next Arab summit is scheduled to take place in Iraq later this month, revealing that the news coming out of Iraqi Kurdistan indicates that they [Iraqi Kurds] understand the Syrian revolution. He added as for the Nouri al-Maliki government, we do not know its position, but this appears to be a government that is affiliated to Iran. However with regards to direct contact with us, the Iraqi government has not issued any position opposing the Syrian revolution. The FSA commander also stressed that as for the Iraqi Shiite brigades that are trying to reach Syria [to aid the al-Assad regime], we are warning them for the hundredth time not to interfere in Syrian affairs. As for his views of resolving the Syrian crisis, FSA Brigadier General Hussam Awak told Asharq Al-Awsat that this can only be solved in two ways: politically or militarily adding we do not want to see a repeat of the Libyan scenario, in terms of death toll and injuries, and we are trying to avoid bloodshed, which is why we have partnered with politicians, however if the situation requires a military confrontation then we are ready for this. He stressed we have called on Bashar al-Assad to hand over power; however he has fought us and continues to kill our children.

Taken from http://www.asharqe.com/news.asp?id=28677

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue

Al Rashideen Iranian Revolution Special Issue