Sipah-i-Sahaba (سپاہ صحابہ)
Introduction
Sipah-i-Sahaba (Arabic: سپاه الصحابة, Turkish: Sahabe Ordusu; translation: “Army of the Prophet’s Companions”) is a militant Sunni Muslim group founded in Pakistan. The group is infamously recognized for its violent campaigns against the Shia Muslim minority in the country.
Etymology
The name “Sipah-i-Sahaba” translates from Arabic to “Army of the Prophet’s Companions,” reflecting the group’s self-proclaimed mission to protect Sunni Islam by emulating the Prophet Muhammad’s companions.
Historical Background
Founded in the mid-1980s by Mawlana Haq Nawaz Jhangvi, a prominent Sunni cleric, the Sipah-i-Sahaba emerged as a reactionary force amidst sectarian tensions in Pakistan. The group’s establishment reflects deeper socio-political conflicts within the country, often fueled by ideological divides between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Objective and Activities
The primary goal of Sipah-i-Sahaba is to have Pakistan declared a Sunni Islamic state and to have Shia Muslims recognized as a non-Muslim minority in the constitution of Pakistan. The organization employed militant tactics, often resulting in brutal violence directed towards Shia communities.
Leadership and Changes
After the assassination of Jhangvi in 1990, Mawlana Azam Tariq succeeded him and continued to lead the group. The violence perpetrated by Sipah-i-Sahaba under various leaders has garnered both national and international condemnation.
Government Action and Banning
In December 2001, amid increased global scrutiny and internal sectarian conflict, the government of Pakistan officially banned Sipah-i-Sahaba for its involvement in sectarian violence. Despite the ban, the group has reportedly re-emerged under different names to continue its activities.
Cultural and Social Impact
The actions undertaken by Sipah-i-Sahaba have significantly contributed to the sectarian strife within Pakistan. Their violent campaigns have intensified Sunni-Shia tensions and inflicted severe socio-psychological trauma on communities affected by their attacks.
Further Reading
- Nasr, Vali. “The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future.” W.W. Norton & Company, 2007.
- Abbas, Hassan. “Pakistan’s Drift into Extremism: Allah, the Army, and America’s War on Terror.” Routledge, 2005.
- Fair, C. Christine. Fighting to the End: The Pakistan Army’s Way of War. Oxford University Press, 2014.
Conclusion
The legacy of Sipah-i-Sahaba reflects the complexities and dangers of sectarianism within Islamic nations like Pakistan. Understanding the historical and ideological underpinnings of such militant groups is crucial for addressing the root causes of sectarian violence and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Key Takeaways
- Sipah-i-Sahaba signifies a militant Sunni group fostering anti-Shia sentiments in Pakistan.
- Founded by Mawlana Haq Nawaz Jhangvi in the mid-1980s and was led by Mawlana Azam Tariq after Jhangvi’s assassination.
- The group’s primary objectives include declaring Pakistan a Sunni Islamic state and declaring Shia Muslims a non-Muslim minority.
- Banned in 2001, but remnants and offshoot groups continue to persist under various names.
By examining organizations like Sipah-i-Sahaba, one gains a deeper insight into the problematic intersections of religion, politics, and violence. Understanding this interplay is crucial for developing informed and effective strategies to counter extremism and foster religious harmony.
