Latest news with #al-Hakim
Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq elections: Al-Hakim cautions against 'vote-buying'
Shafaq News/ National Wisdom Movement (al-Hikma) leader Ammar al-Hakim warned, on Saturday, against the use of 'illicit political funds' in Iraq's upcoming parliamentary elections. Delivering the Eid al-Adha sermon in Baghdad, al-Hakim described the November 11 vote as a 'historic opportunity' for Iraq's democratic process and a milestone marking the endurance of the political system over the past 20 years. He urged political blocs to reject corruption, power abuse, and vote-buying, proposing a 'national honor charter' to prevent the misuse of public funds for electoral purposes. 'Turning elections into a market where candidates and voters are bought is forbidden wealth and a betrayal of the nation.' Al-Hakim also pushed for fair competition and broad voter turnout, emphasizing that future governments must emerge from free and transparent elections. Directing his message at young Iraqis, he encouraged them to vote, stay alert, and choose candidates committed to reform. 'Don't let anyone steal your voice or distort your choice.' On the electricity crisis, al-Hakim called for a 'state of strategic emergency,' criticizing the government's repeated 'failures' and demanding clarity on causes and accountability. He also urged officials to prioritize reforms in agriculture, water management, and renewable energy. 'Iraqis deserve a dignified life that begins with fixing electricity and moves toward technological progress,' he concluded.
The Hindu
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Between Israel and Islamists
Clashes first broke out in the southern outskirts of Damascus, Syria's capital, after an audio clip emerged on social media of a man criticising Prophet Mohammed. The audio was attributed to a Druze cleric (who later denied any role). Angry Sunni Islamists, aligned with the current government in Syria, started attacking Druze community members and armed Druze fighters fought back. Violence spread across Jaramana and Sahnaya near Damascus, and to Sweida, in southern Syria, the heartland of the Druze. Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the leader of Syria's Druze, denounced 'the genocidal campaign' against his community. When Bashar al-Assad's regime fell in December, and the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham established its rule in Damascus, the Druze, like other minority communities in the country, called for their religious and political rights to be protected. Syria's new rulers promised that minority rights will be respected. But those assurances did little in preventing the outbreak of sectarian clashes. As violence spread, Israel carried out multiple air strikes against pro-government groups in Syria 'to protect the Druze'. The Druze religion emerged out of Ismailism, which is an off-shoot of Shia Islam, in 11th century Egypt. But the Druze, a closely knit community for whom Arabic language and culture make the core of their identity, are not considered as Muslims. They recognise the major Abrahamic prophets, from Adam to Jesus and Mohammed, but also believe in reincarnation. The Koran is a sacred book, but the religious text for the Druze is Kitab Al Hikma (The Book Of Wisdom), which is a collection of books. The name Druze comes from one of the early preachers of Druze theology — Muhammad bin Ismail Nashtakin ad-Darazi. Also read | Israeli military strikes near Syria's presidential palace after warning over sectarian attacks Faith in reincarnation The roots of Druze theology can be traced back to al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, the 11th century Fatimid Caliph, who ruled from Cairo. A section of al-Hakim's followers, including ad-Darazi, split away from Shia Ismailism, and started referring to al-Hakim as 'a manifestation of God in His unity'. Hamza ibn Ali ibn Ahmad, who is considered the founder of the Druze sect, and the primary author of the Druze scriptures, proclaimed that God reincarnated as man in al-Hakim. The Caliph, who mysteriously disappeared in February 1021, is a central figure in Druze beliefs. He is addressed as 'Our Lord' in Druze prayers. The Druze do not allow conversion, and marriages outside the community are rare. But over the years, the tenets of the Druze were shaped by the influence of other eastern religions — from Abrahamic Prophet to the idea of reincarnation and rebirth derived from Hinduism — as well as Greek philosophy. After the cycle of reincarnations, the Druze believe, the soul reunites with 'al- aaqal al kulli', the Cosmic Mind (or God's Will). Hardcore Islamists see them as heretics, and the community has survived persecution during the late medieval era. But over the years, they have also emerged as an influential sect in the Levant region. Today, roughly 1 million Druze people are scattered across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Israel. In Syria, the Druze are concentrated in the southern suburbs of Damascus, the southern Sweida province and in the Golan Heights. When Israel captured most of the Golan Heights in 1967 and annexed it in 1981, the Druze community in the occupied region continued to live in their villages. Today, about 25,000 Druze are living in Golan — roughly 25% of them are estimated to be Israeli citizens. In total, there are about 1,50,000 Druze living in Israel. During Syria's civil war, Israel had reportedly helped the Druze groups in Syria's south. After Islamists captured power in Syria, Israel has been more vocal about the protection of the Druze. Israel has also grabbed more Syrian territory in the Golan. By carrying out airstrikes in central Syria, Israel, whose ongoing war on Gaza has killed over 50,000 Palestinians — most of them women and children — are trying to position themselves as a protector of the Druze in the clashes-hit Syria. For the Druze, the choice is between domestic Islamists and a foreign force that occupies parts of Syria. For now, they seem to lean towards the latter.
Shafaq News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Hakim: Iraq suffers most from US-Iran conflict
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, Ammar al-Hakim, leader of Iraq's National Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma), urged deeper engagement with Syria and outlined why Iraq was bypassed as a venue for nuclear talks between the United States and Iran. Speaking at the Sin Dialogue Forum in Baghdad, al-Hakim explained that Iran chose Oman over Iraq due to Muscat's neutrality, despite Baghdad's balanced ties with both Washington and Tehran. 'Iraq is the first to benefit from understanding and the first to suffer from tension between them,' he observed. He defended Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's recent meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Qatar, framing it as a government-level decision. Although the Coordination Framework (CF) was not consulted, 'That doesn't imply exclusion,' he noted. Al-Hakim stressed Iraq's interest in preserving ties with Syria, citing the protection of religious sites and support for Iraqi communities. He clarified that Damascus' invitation to the upcoming Arab League summit in Baghdad follows established league protocols, not host country discretion. Turning to domestic affairs, al-Hakim reported that efforts to integrate armed groups into state institutions are advancing, backed by the CF and the State Administration Coalition. 'Recognizing and incorporating these groups strengthens state legitimacy.' He also weighed in on electoral reforms, pointing out that the current law favors mid-sized parties, confirming that the CF has formed a committee to manage internal competition and added that leadership decisions, including a possible second term for the prime minister, would be determined by election results. On Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's decision to abstain from the elections, al-Hakim described it as a political right. 'If he insists on abstaining, we respect his decision,' he remarked, while noting that al-Sadr's participation could significantly influence voter turnout.
Shafaq News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Sulaimani Forum 2025: Iraq's al-Hakim says Iran–US talks signal regional hope
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, Iraqi Shia cleric and leader of the National Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma), Ammar al-Hakim, stated that the initial round of negotiations between Iran and the US had sent 'clear messages of reassurance' to the region. Speaking at the Sulaimani Forum, al-Hakim characterized the first round of Iran-US talks as more than symbolic, calling them 'a sign of hope' that could pave the way for a more stable and prosperous phase for Iraq and the broader region. He also stressed the positive economic and political implications of reduced hostilities, adding that improved US-Iran relations would allow Iraq to focus more effectively on development. However, he emphasized that Iraq often bears the brunt of regional tensions, particularly between Tehran and Washington. 'Whenever tensions escalate, Iraq is the first to suffer. When they ease, Iraq is the first to benefit,' he said. Al-Hakim urged the international community to back regional and global dialogue, which he described as 'essential for long-term stability.'
Shafaq News
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Hakim warns of 'Malicious Agendas' calls for moderation and dialogue
Shafaq News/ Leader of the National Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma), Ammar al-Hakim on Monday warned against what he described as 'malicious agendas' aimed at spreading despair among Iraqis. 'Iraq cannot advance without embracing moderation, centrism, and genuine dialogue,' al-Hakim said during the Eid al-Fitr sermon in Baghdad. He emphasized that moderation has been the guiding principle of the religious authority in Najaf throughout its long history, adding that experience has shown that Iraq will not achieve stability without dialogue and understanding. On the political front, he the importance of maintaining stability, calling it 'one of the key pillars for safeguarding our people's interests and building a capable, independent, and sovereign Iraqi state.' 'We call sincere and patriotic individuals to stand against those who seek to spread weakness and despair among our people and youth through fabricated rumors and baseless scenarios,' he concluded.
