Tahrik-i Jafariyyah Pakistan
Tahrik-i Jafariyyah Pakistan – The leading Shii political organization in Pakistan founded to protect Shii interests against Sunni-dominated Islamization policies.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: تحريك الجعفريّة في باكستان
- Turkish: Pakistan Caferiyye Hareketi
- Derived from the Arabic term “تحريك” (tahrik) meaning “movement” and “جعفريّة” (Jafariyyah) referencing the Jafari school of Shia Islam.
Historical Context
The Tahrik-i Jafariyyah Pakistan (TJP) was originally founded under the name Tahrik-i Nifaz-i Fiqh-i Jafariyyah (TNFJ) in 1980. The stated goal of the movement was the enforcement of Jafari jurisprudence (Fiqh-i Jafariyyah) amid rising Sunni-dominated Islamization during the military regime of General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, the then-President of Pakistan. The TJP aimed at safeguarding the religious, political, and economic interests of the Shii community in Pakistan.
Prominence and Leadership
The movement achieved significant prominence under the leadership of Allamah Arif Husayni. Under his stewardship, the TJP became a formidable entity in the political landscape of Pakistan, especially in representing Shia interests and fostering strong relations with Iran—influenced heavily by the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
Sectarian Implications
The advocacy and perceived alignment of the TNFJ (later known as TJP) with Iranian policies led to strong suspicions and adversarial dynamics with Sunni religio-political groups in Pakistan. This suspicion catalyzed the radicalization of sectarian identities and politics in the country, contributing to increased incidences of sectarian violence and further polarizing Shia-Sunni relations.
Proposed Actions and Influence
By asserting the right to follow Jafari jurisprudence, Tahrik-i Jafariyyah helped mobilize the Shii community in Pakistan, fostering a sense of unity and communal identity against dominating pressures. The group’s influence has fluctuated with time but remains a critical component of Pakistan’s complex sectarian landscape.
Further Reading
For those wishing to delve deeper into the subject, the following books provide elaborate studies:
- “The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future” by Vali Nasr
- “Shi’ism in South Asia: An Introduction” edited by Justin Jones
- “Faith-Based Violence and Deobandi Militancy in Pakistan” edited by Tahir Kamran and Ian Talbot
Key Takeaways
- Tahrik-i Jafariyyah Pakistan is crucial in advocating for Shii interests amid Sunni-majority politics.
- It played a significant role in shaping the sectarian dynamics of Pakistani politics.
- Its influence ranges both locally and geopolitically, with strong ties to Iran.
Conclusion
The formation and the activities of the Tahrik-i Jafariyyah underscore the essential intersections of religion and politics in Pakistan, offering an influential voice for the Shii minority. It illustrates how religious identity can act as a significant political tool and reflects broader sectarian divisions and dynamics within the Muslim world.
Expand your understanding by exploring the recommended readings.
