Haider Ajina continues to translate more of the news that the US media fails to report and in some cases is reporting just the opposite!
This first article is the most powerful interview I have heard coming out of Iraq since the War began! This popular cleric, Ayatollah Hussein al-Sadr, is the uncle of Muqtada al-Sadr but is pro-American and relatively liberal, unlike the populist, radical Muqtada. Here, he is preaching a message that Americans have been hoping and waiting to hear for some time. It was printed in the Iraqi Newspaper Al-Mendhar:
Translated by Haider Ajina
The following is a headline and article in the October 6 edition of the Iraqi Arab newspaper Al-Mendhar.
Popular Iraqi Cleric urges separation of religion and politics!
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.”
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 Ajina 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.
The following is my translation of a headline and article in the October 7th edition of the Iraqi Arab newspaper Iraqulghad
“Iraqi poll shows majority of Iraqis want tougher actions against terrorist groups.”
“Iraqulghad newspaper conducted a survey of 2421 Iraqis. The paper asked them if recent successes the Iraqi forces had in Telaafar, would liquidate the terrorist groups?
The results were as follows:
Yes = 767 or 31.7%
No = 315 or 13.0%
Need to take tougher action against terrorist groups = 1339 or 55.3%”
Haider Ajina comments:
This is more evidence that Iraqis have had it with terrorists and want to take tougher actions against them. The dawn of democracy in Iraq is dwindling the support for terrorists and the recruiting grounds are drying up. The few baathists left with help from Syria are having to recruiting from neighboring countries.
Haider Ajina ends today with a wish for Ramadan:
Greetings All,
The Free Muslim Society wishes everyone a blessed month of Ramadan. This month marks one of the holiest occasions for Muslims. Our faiths are more similar than different. It is what we do with and to our faith that sets us apart. Some choose to abuse and tyrannize by using religion for wickedness. Others set free and help others by using religion. Therein lies the difference.
Regards,
Haider Ajina
