A recent video that was translated into English by MEMRI highlights the sectarian tensions between Sunnis and Shias in Iraq.
Amara Al Muhajir, an Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) suicide bomber operating in Iraq, highlighted sectarian tensions within the country by threatening to massacre Shiites and other infidels in a video that was translated into English by MEMRI. “I address this message to the infidels and the hypocrites, especially to the apostate Shias among them and Iran in particular,” he said.
“By Allah, we have brought upon you men that love death as much as your dogs love life,” Al Muhajir stated. “We have brought upon you men who cry for death, men who want to meet Allah. These men yearn to slit your throats. They enjoy killing you. They compete in hunting you.”
“By Allah, we have brought upon you nothing but slaughter,” he emphasized. “You have been insolent towards Omar (Ibn Al Khattab). You have been insolent towards Aisha. You have been insolent towards the Prophet Muhammed’s companions. You have been insolent towards Allah, who erected the heavens without any pillar, laid down the land, made the water run, and created the angels strong and tough. They never defy Allah. They do as he says.”
“You have been insolent towards him by saying that the angels don’t lift a foot or put it down without Ali’s permission,” the ISIS terrorist noted. “You have been insolent towards Ibrahim, the master of all monotheists, who taught us the principle of allegiance and disavowal, and how to love those that love Allah and hate those that do not. Ibrahim taught us to be lenient only for the sake of Allah. You have been insolent towards him by saying that when he was thrown into the Hellfire, he said: ‘O Ali.’ By Allah, Ali has nothing to do with you.”
Sunni Islamist extremist groups such as ISIS view Shias to be apostates and heretics, Muslims who have strayed from the proper path. Tensions between Sunnis and Shias have recently risen, especially in the wake of the sectarian tensions in Iraq and other parts of the Middle East. Shias believe that Muhammed’s successor should be through Ali, while Sunnis are opposed to political succession based on Muhammed’s blood line. These differences over the course of history led to conflict between the two groups, including persecution. In recent times, Shias have faced significant persecution in areas controlled by ISIS, alongside non-Muslim minority groups like the Yazidis and Christians.
The statements uttered by Al Mujahir indicate that he views Shias to be no better than infidels. “We have brought upon you nothing but martyrdom operations,” he proclaimed. “Rejoice our sheikh, Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi. Religion is all about sincere advise. I advise you not to be insolent. I advise you not to be lenient. I advise you not to be lenient towards the enemies of Allah. You have soldiers who have pledged to hear and obey you in good and bad. They have pledged to hear and obey you in good and bad. Dispatch them to wherever you want. Turn them into bombs, for they have pledged their allegiance to you in truth, not just in words. So dispatch us. By Allah, we are the fire with which to burn the enemies of Allah.”
