Husseini Revenge: New Shiite group threatening societal peace in Iraq

Aya Ezz

In light of the turmoil and tensions in the Iraqi arena, a new, unknown group has recently appeared, calling itself the “Husseini Revenge State”, which claims that it is avenging the killing of Imam Hussein bin Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him), in the Battle of Karbala in 61 AH/680 CE.

The group released a video on social media in which it vowed to take revenge on the “Owners of the Cause”, a group of demonstrators demanding reforms and change in the country and who are supported by Sadrist movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr, one of the most prominent religious and political figures in Iraq.

The group attacked Sadr harshly, describing him as “al-Shisbani”, a name that refers to one of Imam Ali’s enemies, claiming that he betrayed the Shiite sect and used the Owners of the Cause as a tool to achieve his interests.

It also called on its supporters to prepare for jihad and martyrdom in the way of “revenge for Imam Hussein.”

There is not enough information about the identity, organization, or goals of this group, but it seems that it seeks to sow discord and division among the Shiites in Iraq and to undermine the legitimate demands of the Iraqi people for democracy, dignity, and justice. The emergence of this group has sparked different reactions among observers and experts, some of whom believe it is a real group that exploits religious sentiments to attract supporters, while others see it as a fake group that is used to shuffle the cards and sow chaos in the country.

Danger to unity and cohesion

Dr. Hassan Ali, a professor of political science at the University of Baghdad, told the Reference that the emergence of this group poses a threat to unity and cohesion among the components of Iraqi society, especially among the Shiites, who constitute the majority of the population in the country.

He added that this group is trying to exploit the historical and religious legitimacy of Imam Hussein, which enjoys consensus and acceptance by all sects and trends in Islam, to justify its extremist and terrorist actions.

Ali pointed out that this group is directly targeting the Sadrist movement, which represents a great political and popular force in Iraq and which supports the movement of demonstrations demanding reforms and change in the country.

He said that this group is trying to shake citizens’ confidence in Sadr, tarnish his image, and weaken his influence.

He inquired about the sources of financing and arming this group, as well as the extent of its connection with foreign parties seeking to destabilize Iraq, especially Iran, which has great influence among some of the armed militias in the country.

Ali called for “the need to confront this group by all legitimate means, revealing its truth and goals, bringing its members to justice, and protecting the demonstrators from any attacks or intimidation.”

Raises doubts

On the other hand, Iraqi political analyst Nabil al-Shafei said that the emergence of this group raises many doubts about its credibility and truth.

He added to the Reference that this group uses extremist and illogical language and is not based on any legal or rational evidence or justification for its allegations.

Shafei pointed out that this group appears in mysterious and unexplained circumstances, and there are no indications of its origin, history, or identity.

Denying their connection

In this context, the Owners of the Cause movement issued an official statement denying any connection with the Husseini Revenge State, stressing that it is based on national, Islamic, and humanitarian principles, and that it seeks to fulfill the demands of the Iraqi people for freedom, dignity, and justice.

The statement condemned any attempts to confuse its movement, tarnish its image, or mislead public opinion.

The Owners of the Cause also praised the positive role of the Sadrist movement and its leader Muqtada al-Sadr in supporting the cause of change and reform in Iraq, and in maintaining security and peace in society.

It emphasized that it deals with all components and trends in the country in a spirit of brotherhood and solidarity.

The movement demanded the need to continue peaceful demonstrations, pressure the government to implement the legitimate demands of the people and to hold fair and transparent elections that reflect the will of the citizens, affirming that it will not surrender to any schemes aimed at destabilizing Iraq or dividing its people.

Not afraid of any threats

In this context, Muqtada al-Sadr issued an official statement in which he responded to the accusations and attacks of the Husseini Revenge State, stressing that he is not afraid of any threats or conspiracies against him.

He said that he bears the responsibility of protecting the Owners of the Cause and that he stands by them in their legitimate demands, pointing out that the Husseini Revenge State is a false and deviant group and that it contradicts the teachings of Islam and the spirit of the Husseini revolution.

He said that the group uses the name of Imam Hussein unjustly and that it offends his honor and memory, stressing that he does not consider this group to be one of his followers or the followers of Ahl al-Bayt.

Sadr demanded that this group should be held accountable for its crimes and its incitement to sedition in society.

He added that he calls on all citizens to unite and show solidarity in the face of anyone who tries to destabilize the country or spread extremism and terrorism.

Sadr stressed that he believes in democracy and dialogue as a basis for resolving problems in Iraq and that he supports holding free and transparent elections that guarantee the representation of all components and trends in the country.