Islam in Iraq

Islam in Iraq

Introduction

The current state of Iraq emerged in 1920 under a British mandate. It has since developed into a nation with a richly woven Islamic tapestry. This entry explores the religious landscape of Iraq, delving into its demographics, the significance of key cities, and the historical development of Islamic thought and movements within the nation.

Demographics and Religious Composition

The population of Iraq is immensely diverse, primarily consisting of Arab Shi’a, Arab Sunni, and Kurdish Sunni communities:

• Arab Shi’a: Approximately 55-60% of Iraq’s total population identify as Arab Shi’a.
• Arab Sunni: They make up around 15-20% of the population.
• Kurdish Sunni: Representing about 20% of the populace, they predominantly inhabit the northern regions of Iraq.

Significance of Najaf and Karbala

• Najaf (Arabic: النَّجَف, Turkish: Necef): Regarded as a pivotal center for Shi’a Islamic scholarship.
  • It is a spiritual nexus for Shi’a Muslims globally, housing the prestigious Al-Hawza Al-Ilmiyya, a network of seminaries and religious institutions.
  • Prominent for being the former residence of Ayatollah Khomeini during his fourteen-year exile.
• Karbala (Arabic: كربلاء, Turkish: Kerbela): A city sanctified by the martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali, a central figure in Shi’a Islam.
  • Karbala attracts millions of pilgrims annually, especially during the observances of Ashura and Arba’een, commemorating Imam Husayn’s sacrifice.

Historical Context and Religious Influence

• Opposition to British Rule: During the early 20th century, Najaf became the cradle for opposition against British colonial mandate.
• Training of Lebanese Shi’a Clergy: The city has also played a significant role in nurturing Shi’a religious leaders, notably serving as an educational hub for Lebanese clerics.
• Ayatollah Khomeini’s Exile (1964-1978): His time in Najaf profoundly influenced Shi’a political thought and activism.
• Shi’a Activism: Najaf has continually been a hotbed of political dissent and religious activism. It notably opposed both Communist ideologies in the 1960s and the Baath regime from 1968 onwards.

Notable Figures and Movements

• Ayatollah Khomeini: Former exiled resident of Najaf, major Shi’a theologian and revolutionary leader.
• Al-Hawza Al-Ilmiyya: The seminary institution rooted in Najaf that has produced influential Shi’a scholars and political figures.

Etymology

• Najaf (النَّجَف): The name is derived from old Persian “Nijb” which means “small hill,” referring to the terrain feature where the city is located.
• Karbala (كربلاء): While the etymology is debated, one theory suggests it comes from the combination of the words “Karb” (anguish) and “Bala” (affliction), reflecting the city’s historical significance relating to Imam Husayn’s martyrdom.

Further Reading

• “Ashura: This World and the Hereafter in the Early Almohad Discourse” by Allard K. Lowenstein
• “Power-Sharing in Iraqi Kurdistan: Ending the Civil War, Triggering a Crisis” by Gareth Stansfield
• “The Middle East and Egypt” by Lucy Dean and Sinan Ülgen

Key Takeaways

• Iraq’s population includes a majority of Arab Shi’a, significant Arab Sunni, and Kurdish Sunni communities.
• Najaf and Karbala are spiritual epicenters for global Shi’a Islam, with profound historical, theological, and political influence.
• Iraq’s Islamic history is marked by significant figures such as Ayatollah Khomeini and notable institutions like Al-Hawza Al-Ilmiyya.

Conclusion

Iraq’s Islamic identity is multifaceted and intertwined with significant historical, cultural, and political movements. Najaf and Karbala remain critical for understanding the Shi’a experience globally, reflecting the intricate layers of faith, activism, and theological thought that enrich Islamic scholarship within and beyond Iraq.