.:Holy Samarra:.

Iraqi Sunni Clans Order Protection for Shiites

2006-03-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

The Sunni clans in Al-Anbar province have ordered protection for Shiite families in the predominantly Sunni cities from potential tit-for-tat reprisals in view of anti-Sunni attacks and killings by Shiite militants after the bombing of a celebrated Shiite shrine.
"The agreement stipulates protection of [Shiite] neighborhoods and bans assaults under any circumstances," a local resident of Abu Ghraib district told IslamOnline.net Sunday, March 5, on condition of anonymity.
The agreement is binding to all parties, he added.
Tribal chieftains agreed to provide the protection to the Shiite families in response to a call by the Association of Muslim Scholars (AMS), the highest Sunni body in Iraq, IOL's correspondent says. more...

Rafsanjani: Enemies target Muslim world unity

2006-03-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

Tehran's substitute Friday Prayers Leader Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said here Friday that the enemies' unworthy measures and crimes in Iraq's Samarra targeted unity in the Islamic world.
Rafsanjani made the remark while addressing multitudes of worshipers attending this week's Friday prayers congregation at Tehran University campus.
"The enemies intend to sow the seed of discord and civil war in Iraq and other Islamic states. Such a danger does really exist.
"Bombing of the shrines of Shiite Imams (Ali al-Naqi and Hassan al-Askariya -- peace be upon them) in Samarra was an odd event. We are unfortunately witnessing such crimes in the era of freedom and wisdom.
"It can be interpreted that perpetrators of such crimes are targeting Muslim world unity which is in the shaping gradually," he said.
He pointed to desecration of the mosques of Shiites and Sunnis following bombing of two Imams' shrines and said that was a "criminal" measure.
"If ulema do not take actions to prevent such a crime, it will turn into a civil war.
"There are hands at work intending to fan sectarian violence among human beings." Referring to publication of caricatures deemed insulting to Holy Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him), Rafsanjani said the measure was aimed at pitting Christians and Muslims against each other.
"Muslims should not fall into such traps. We can maintain the progressive unity in the Islamic world."
Irna

Occupying forces fueling sectarian conflicts in Iraq

2006-03-01T10:14:00.000-08:00

The occupying forces are trying to ignite sectarian and ethnic conflicts in order to dismember the country into mini-states, said an Iranian daily on Tuesday.
Commenting on the terrorist bombings of the holy shrines of two Shiite Imams in the Iraqi city of Samarra last Wednesday, 'Tehran Times' said the sacrilege was a result of an "unholy alliance" by the US, the Zionist regime of Israel and the terrorists operating in Iraq.
The editorial argued that the alliance planned the bombing of the holy shrines "in order to justify the continued presence of occupying forces in the country." The daily added that the US has changed its approach in Iraq and is now trying to create sectarian and ethnic strife in the country as soon as it realized that the democratic process in the war-torn country had not turned out as what they had planned and it had not benefited the US interests.
Referring to the recent comments of the US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad in Iraq, the daily said his remarks and the fact that he was claiming a veto right over cabinet appointments indicated that "the United States seeks to prevent the formation of a national government in Iraq by creating chaos in the country." Khalilzad recently said that the Iraqi interior, defense, oil, and security affairs ministers must be approved by the U.S. and no one opposed to U.S. policy should be allowed to become a minister in the cabinet of Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari.
"Of course, the Iraqi people, and particularly the religious authorities, are monitoring the suspicious activities of the occupying forces, and they will not allow religious differences to cause the country to break apart," the article stressed.
It anticipated that after the formation of a national government, "the entire Iraqi nation will call for the withdrawal of the occupying forces, and then there will be no option left for the foreign troops besides withdrawing from Iraqi territory."

Who was behind the Samarra blasts?

2006-02-28T00:07:00.000-08:00

By Hassan Hanizadeh

Last Wednesday’s terrorist bombings of the holy shrines of the tenth and eleventh Shia Imams, Imam Hadi (AS) and Imam Hassan Askari (AS), in Samara, Iraq, was a very serious incident which increased the possibility of a civil war breaking out.
In addition, Shia Muslims all over the world are now accusing the U.S.-led occupying forces of complicity in the act.
The United States is suspect because it occupied Iraq on the pretext of establishing democracy in the country, but U.S. officials now realize that the democratic process has not turned out as they had planned and not benefited U.S. interests.
Thus, the U.S. has changed its approach and is now trying to create sectarian and ethnic strife in Iraq.
The obvious interference of U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad in preventing the formation of a national cabinet reflecting the vote of the majority of Iraqis proves that the U.S. contention that it seeks to establish democracy in Iraq is a blatant lie because the U.S. does not want to accept the results of the parliamentary election.
Khalilzad recently said that the Iraqi interior, defense, oil, and security affairs ministers must be approved by the U.S. and no one opposed to U.S. policy should be allowed to become a minister in the cabinet of Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari.
Khalilzad’s recent remarks and the fact that he is claiming a veto right over cabinet appointments indicate that the United States seeks to prevent the formation of a national government in Iraq by creating chaos in the country.
Alongside the U.S. efforts to trigger a sectarian conflict in Iraq, the Zionist lobby, surprised by Muslims’ united reaction to the Western media outlets’ insult of Prophet Muhammad (S), is now trying to break this unity.
The unholy alliance of the United States, the Zionist regime, and the terrorists operating in Iraq planned the bombing of the holy shrines in order to justify the continued presence of occupying forces in the country.
Of course, this treacherous plan to bomb the holy sites in Iraq will not be limited to the shrines of Imam Hadi (AS) and Imam Hassan Askari (AS). Other religious sites may also face the same fate in the future since the occupying forces are trying to ignite sectarian and ethnic conflicts in order to dismember the country into mini-states.
However, both the religious authorities in Najaf and the religious-political leaders in Iraq are well aware of this devious U.S. plot and have therefore called on Iraqis to foster unity and avoid impulsive reactions.
This call was welcomed by all Sunni and Shia Iraqis, who have condemned the terrorist actions of the occupying forces.
Of course, the Iraqi people, and particularly the religious authorities, are monitoring the suspicious activities of the occupying forces, and they will not allow religious differences to cause the country to break apart.
Therefore, after the formation of a national government, the entire Iraqi nation will call for the withdrawal of the occupying forces, and then there will be no option left for the foreign troops besides withdrawing from Iraqi territory.

Published in Tehran Times

Iraqi Sunnis Rebuild Destroyed Shiite Shrine

2006-02-27T11:29:00.000-08:00

In a gesture of goodwill, Iraqi Sunnis in the northern city of Samarra are working tirelessly to rebuild the Golden Mosque, one of the holiest Shiite shrines which was devastated in an odious explosion last week. ...more

Shiite and Sunnis scholars perform prayers together at Abu Hanifa mosque in Baghdad.

The day of brightness

2006-02-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

By Morteza Karimi
Since the year of 61(A.H), Moharram got a month of grief and mourning but during the centuries, new sad events have fanned the flame of it's sarrow. 209 years ago in 26th of Moharram, many holy places of Mecca including several domes were demolished by a British hatched branch of Islam and today enemies of Islamic unity with a new name and face do the same about the dome of two of our Imams.
Yes: cruelty and evil-doing is not a matter fo past but it won't continue forever; In a day of brightness, there will appeare a man called Mahdi, the son of Imam Askari who will fight aggressors and make the world just and sate for all.

Latest News (9)

2006-02-27T03:17:00.000-08:00

.Sunnis, Shiites rally outside UN Headquarters to condemn Samarra blast

A number of Shiite and Sunni Muslims angered by the defamation of the shrines of two Shiite Imams in Iraq gathered outside UN Headquarters in New York on Sunday calling for an end to the clashes in Iraq.
The New York-based Muslims, in the rally, called on the Iraqi people to maintain their unity and not let enemies exploit the current situation to create divisions among Sunnis and Shittes.
Muslims from Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and the Persian Gulf littoral states, including Iran, took part in the protest rally to condemn the attack on the ancient shrine of two of Shiite Islam's Imams in Samarra, northern Baghdad.

The protestors, carrying placards, urged an end to the violence in Iraq and acts of desecration of enemies such as Wednesday's bombing of the the holy shrine of Imam al-Hadi and Hassan al-Askari which resulted in the destruction of its golden dome.
They carried placards saying `Muslims are brothers' and `Those responsble for the attacks are enemies of Islam'.
Shiites and Sunnis should forge an alliance to neutralize plots hatched by enemies of Islam to incite violence and stir up a crisis in Iraq, a Sunni, Jabir, told IRNA.
Dozens of people were killed and many more injured in a bomb blast in the holy shrine of two of Shiite Islam's Imams in Samarra, 100km north of Baghdad, last Wednesday which destroyed its golden dome.

.Sunnis Said Ready to End Boycott of Talks

Sunni Arab politicians are ready to end their boycott of talks on forming a new government if rival Shiites return mosques seized in last week's wave of sectarian attacks and meet other unspecified demands, a top Sunni figure said Monday. ...more

Occupying troops involved in Iraq's terrorist bombings

2006-02-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

An Iranian morning daily commented Sunday on recent bitter developments in Iraq saying that the occupying troops and intelligence services were directly involved in terrorist acts in the war-torn country.
Criticizing the 'barbaric attacks' on the holy shrines of Imam Hadi (AS) and Imam Hassan Al-Askari (AS) in Samarra last Wednesday, the English-language daily 'Kayhan International' said that the occupying forces have failed to act based on the Geneva Convention.
"Articles 49, 50 and 51 of the 1949 Geneva Convention assert that 'The Occupying Power shall, with the cooperation of the national and local facilitate the proper working of all institutions devoted to the security, care and education in the occupied country'," said the editorial.
It further referred to the Article 34 of convention which 'asserts that The Occupying Power should never cause damage to the historic and religious sites of the occupied country and those committing such criminal acts should be brought to justice as per Article 36 of the same Convention'.
"The Geneva Convention signed by the majority of countries -- just like many other international conventions -- has become a useless law on paper, leaving nations no other option but to rely on their own capabilities for ensuring national security and defense," the paper argued.
It noted that based on the Geneva Convention, the US-led occupying forces, 'are fully held responsible' for what was currently underway in Iraq.
Stressing that according to the existing evidences, American and European troops played a central role in committing horrible crimes in Iraq, the article said, "Samarra has been under the strict control of American troops since the beginning of occupation.
"The cold-blooded terrorists took their time before planting the heavy explosives inside and outside the holy shrines in the early hours of the dawn," the daily noted.
It stressed that all these criminal and barbaric acts against innocent civilians and holy sites 'demonstrate the fact that the powerful Islamic pole plays a powerful and undeniable role in the current international equations'.
The daily further added given all facts which 'prove the direct involvement of occupying forces and intelligence services in the terrorist acts, particularly the recent bombings of the holy shrines in Samarra', the only way in front of the Muslim nations is to rely on their own capabilities to ensure their national security.

Iraqi national cohesion weathers the storm

2006-02-26T01:18:00.000-08:00

The bombings of the holy shrines of the tenth and eleventh Shia Imams, Imam Hadi (AS) and Imam Hassan Askari (AS), on Wednesday pained the hearts of both Shias and Sunnis alike. The goals of the bloodthirsty terrorists are clear: to trigger sectarian conflict, create division among the ranks of officials, and destroy Iraq’s national unity.
These cruel deeds carried out in the name of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (S) actually sully the reputation of Islam in the outside world, and it could take many years to convince non-Muslims that Islam would never approve of such acts.

Read the full article.

Samarra political crime

2006-02-25T13:02:00.000-08:00

by Mahdi Moalla

The move of unity, every where in the Muslim world, followed a bomb attack on one of the holiest Shiite Islam sites in Iraq, the al-Askariyain shrine in Samarra, north of Baghdad, on Wednesday.
Shiite religious leaders called for a week of mourning after two men blew up the famous golden dome in a dawn raid, and all of them called for calm and unity between Muslims and warned of the plots hatched by the occupying enemies.
Many believe if it wasn’t with Iraq occupiers’ cooperation, no terrorist could do a dirty crime like what happened to Shiite holy shrine and Sunny mosques in the recent days. Because:
1. it’s so easy for American and British forces to prevent such acts. Furthermore, American occupiers took the security of Samarra just a while before the holy shrine blast, with the excuse that this city has gone unsafe. but it was safe when in the control of Iraqis.
2. even if the claim is true that terrorist groups like Alqueda did this bombing, it's clear for all that in the current situations of Iraq, it's occupiers who benefit from such acts and it's aftermath- specially sectarian conflicts. Cause we all know that last week American ambassador to Iraq said things indicated American forces are not satisfied from Iraq last election results. And we all know the successful transition of power to an Iraqi government means the end of occupation for American forces and firms.
in these situations that -after unknown people killed Shiites and Sunnis both to threaten the unity- the danger of a high-intensity civil war is behind doors of Iraqi people. So Shiites and Sunnis leaders have to condemn and proclaim to be averse of Muslim groups that accuse other Muslims to infidelity.

Latest News (8)

2006-02-25T10:45:00.000-08:00

.Sunni and Shia in talks
Influential Shia and Sunni religious and political leaders have held talks in Baghdad saying they will join forces to ease sectarian bloodshed that has raised fears of civil war in Iraq. ...more

.UK Muslims protest against Iraq shrine bombings
Muslims in Britain Saturday were gathering in London to demonstrate against the evil destruction and bombings of the shrines of Imam Hadi (AS) and Imam Hassan Al-Askari (AS) in Samarra, Iraq. ...more

.German Muslims voice outrage over Samarra blasts
German Muslims rallied in Berlin to express their outrage over the latest bomb blasts of the two holy Shiite shrines in Samarra, Iraq, IRNA said on Saturday.
Muslim Protestors, among them Iranians, Arabs and Turks, gathered in the city center, calling on Shiites and Sunnis to remain unified and vigilant in the wake of continued foreign plots to destabilize Iraq.
Carrying pictures of the two holy Shiite shrines in Samarra, demonstrators "condemned the terror attacks in the strongest possible terms".

UMAA calls for a demonstration

2006-02-25T05:01:00.000-08:00

The Universal Muslim Association of America [UMAA] with other Muslim leaders and organizations is calling for a demonstration to denounce the barbaric attack on the Holy Shrine in Samarraa, Iraq.
When: Sunday, Feb 26,2006. between 12 noon and 3 PM.
Where: In front of the United Nations Head Quarters in New York city. On 47th street and 1st ave.

A press release was issued by UMAA early on Tuesday condemning the attack as a terrorist act not just against a Shia Holy site but against the whole Muslim ummah and human civilization.

Religious Terrorism

2006-02-25T03:01:00.000-08:00

By Mohammad Reza M. Karimi

While the bomb blasts at the Samarra shrine infuriated Iraqi Shiites, the wave of protests and condemnation appears to have swept the surging Muslim anger against new accounts of western repressions under the carpet.Relations between the Iraqi Shiites and Sunnis have normalized considerably after the Sunnis were brought into the political mainstream in the wake of the Dec. 2005 parliamentary elections and the commitment of the Shiite majority to form a government of national unity. So the blasts are obviously aimed at instigating sectarian conflicts.
The sacrilegious attack on the Shiite shrine serves the external agenda of the Iraqi occupying forces more than anything else.
Read the full article

Latest News (7)

2006-02-24T23:57:00.000-08:00

.Shiite and SunniLeaders Call for Moderation

With concerns of civil war in Iraq due to intensifying Shiite and Sunni tension, the spiritual leaders called on the public for moderation to stop the events. ...more

.Belgium condemns Samarra bomb attacks

Belgian Foreign Minister Karel de Gucht condemned Friday the bomb attacks against the holy shrines of Imam Hadi and Imam Hassan Asgari in Samarra, Iraq.
"It is necessary to break this vicious cycle of violence. The attack against the mausoleums of Imams al-Hadi and al-Askari of Samarra is aimed to fail the process of democratization and reconstruction in Iraq and to cause inter-confessional violence," he said in a statement.
De Gucht also condemned the reprisal attacks against mosques in Baghdad and other places in Iraq.
He encouraged all Iraqi political and religious authorities to condemn those acts of violence and to pursue the reconstruction of a peaceful and multi-confessional Iraq.

.Indian PM condemns bombing of Shia shrine in Iraq

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condemned the "shameful and senseless" act of desecration of the 1000-year-old Shia shrine of Mahdi Al-Askari (AS), revered by millions in Samara, Iraq, including many Indians.
The news of the bombing of the holy Al-Askariya mosque in Samarra has caused great shock and grief in India, the prime minister's media adviser, Sanjaya Baru, quoted Prime Minister Singh as saying.
"India hopes that the leaders of Iraq will not let such heinous acts come in the way of building a unified, peaceful, stable and prosperous Iraq through dialogue and mutual respect," Singh said.
"India stands committed to assist in the process of building peace and stability in Iraq and in the reconstruction of the country," he added.

Samarra; Tomb of Mahdi's parents

2006-02-24T13:23:00.000-08:00

.By Nader Talebzadeh
filmmaker and historical researcher focusing on epics that span Muslim history.
He finished his studies in America in 1970s.

.The incredible assault on the holiest of shrines in Iraq came as an insult to all Muslims. It came at time that one can't but suspect a close coordinator between the oppossry forces that do not wish to see a revival Iraq independent on its feet. one can only assume that it could rise from the evil ambitions of Zarquavi and Benladan. No one acts with more hatred and demon vices than these British brel branch of Islam namely the militia Wahabis.
Samarra is the buried tomb of tow Imams, namely Imam Hadi and his son the twelfth Imam, Imam Askari, the father of Imam Mahdi whose saviour of Islam's future. the same Imam Mahdi whose return is expected by Muslims along with Jesus the Messiah. It is on of the holiest sites of Islam because it bears the ground that Nargisus the mother of Mahdi is buried. the same Nargisus who historically is the describable by Saint Peter and all Shia Muslims revere. The buried grommet of the parents of Islami future saviour (along with Jesus, the son of Mary) is no meager shrine. The enemy know how to ignite the fury of the faithful.
and they will pay.

Cartoons ends to blast

2006-02-24T11:51:00.000-08:00

Some experts believe the blast in the holy shrine of Askariain-a very sacred place of shiites in Iraq, is a new plan to divide Muslims after danish cartoons united them against western plots. The plot that many believe it was organised and and not accidentally.
Months after 12 cartoons published in Danish and other european country's newspapers, many angry Muslims around the world condemned this act and took out vast protest ralleis, united and from all sects.

Hakim calls for unity

2006-02-24T09:53:00.000-08:00

Iraq ‘s most influential Shiite political leader called Friday for Sunni-Shiite unity and condemned the killing of Iraqis in a bid to help pull the nation from the brink of civil war after the wave of Shiite outrage triggered by the bombing of a Shiite shrine two days go.

Al-Hakim instead blamed Saddam Hussein loyalists and followers of al-Qaida in Iraq boss Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, saying "we all have to unite in order to eliminate them."

"We call for self-restraint and not to be dragged by the plots of the enemy of Iraq."

Latest News (6)

2006-02-24T08:17:00.000-08:00

.Muslims in S.Africa call crime in Samarra a plot to divide Ummah
Ahlul-Beit Foundation in South Africa in a statement issued Friday strongly condemned heinous attack on Sacred Shrines of two holy Imams in Samarra (Iraq).
The statement said a seditious bomb attack occurred destroying Holy Shrines of 10th Imam Ali Naqi (AS) and 11th Hassan Askari (AS) in Samarra (Iraq) in the early hours of Wednesday Morning. ...more

.Pakistan rallies, religious leaders condemn Iraq shrine attacks
Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf on Friday condemned the bombing of the Holy Shrines of Imam Ali al-Hadi and Imam Hassan Askari resulting in their severe damage.

.Berlin Muslims to take to streets to deplore Iraq terror
German Muslims are to rally in downtown Berlin on Saturday in a bid to deplore the latest bombing attacks of two holy Shiite shrines in Samarra, Iraq.
According to a press statement, released by a group of Berlin-based Muslim communities, the rally's main aim is to promote unity, brotherhood and vigilance among Muslims in light of foreign plots to sow the seeds of discord between Iraqi Shiites and Sunnis.
The Muslim protestors are also to "condemn in the strongest possible terms the desecration of holy Muslim and Christian sites".
The group pointed out that a "third party" was trying to create a rift between Iraqi Shiites and Sunnis in an attempt to start a civil war in the country.

Iranians condemn shrine bombings

2006-02-24T05:58:00.000-08:00

Tens of thousands of worshipers in Tehran marched in the street after the Friday prayers to protest against Wednesday's bombing of the holy shrines in the Iraqi city of Sammara.

The protesters condenmed the terrorist attacks and called for unity among Muslims to confront with such anti-Islamic acts.

They also asked the interntional bodies to denounce the crime and called for bringing the culprits involved into justice.

Chanting anti-US and anti-UK slogans, they called for an end into Iraq's occupation so that the war-torn country can feel peace and stability.

Latest News (5)

2006-02-24T03:14:00.000-08:00

.Britain's Islamic centers condemn Iraq blast, call for vigilance
Islamic centers in Britain have condemned Wednesday's blast at the holy shrine in Iraq, demanding vigilance and unity of the nation.
"We send our deepest condolences to Imam Al-Mahdi (AS) and all Muslims around the globe for the cowardly, despicable, and tragic assault on the holy shrine of the 10th and 11th Imams, Ali al-Hadi (AS) and Hassan al-Askari (AS)," said the London-based Islamic Center of England.
"There is no doubt that the contemporary world needs to establish peace and prosperity now more than ever. The wicked and inhumane strategists of global imperialism plan these shameful acts having them carried out by local agents. Their corrupt goals aim to sow dissent and create division amongst the devoted followers of various faiths and different factions." The Islamic Center of England urged all Muslims to remain aware and to maintain their unity so as to foil the insidious plans of the enemies of Islam.
"There is no doubt that Allah the Almighty shall secure the victory of Islam and of the Muslims provided that they retain patience and piety," it added.
Also the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) condemned bombing of the Hassan al-Askari (AS) shrine.
The IHRC further condemned any targeting of places of worship and targeting of civilians as senseless barbarity, which has no justification whatsoever in Islam.
It said the IHRC regards any acts of sectarian violence as "playing into the hands of the occupying forces, who have been attempting to stoke up such divisions for some time now to further their own political agenda".

.Iraqi Forces Fan Out to Enforce Curfews

Police and soldiers fanned out Friday to enforce an extraordinary daytime curfew in Baghdad and three provinces in a bid to halt the wave of sectarian violence that have killed about 120 people

.EU condemned the criminal and sacrilegious bombing
The European Union (EU) condemned Thursday "the criminal and sacrilegious bombing" of the Imam Ali al-Hadi (AS) shrine in Samarra on Wednesday that has provoked sectarian strife.

A question!

2006-02-24T01:08:00.000-08:00

1. Unknown terrorists Bombed the holy -shiite- shrine of Askariain in Iraq.
2. Western media and arab TV stations published that more than 100 Sunni Iraqi killed in Iraq and around 30 mosques were set on fire by unknown terrorist.
3. After the bomb attack both Shia and Sunni clerics and leaders condemned this terrorist acts and called for unity. They will pray today together to show Muslims unity in Iraq in their friday prayers.
4. Although majority of medias (sp. westerns) do not cover thenews of this unity, and are trying to show Iraq at the threshold of a "high-intensity civil war"...

Q: I just ask you who will benefit if a civil war happens in Iraq?

We will be glad to have your ideas and comments.

Clerics Take Lead After Iraq Bombing

2006-02-23T23:55:00.000-08:00

Few Iraqis seemed to pay attention to statements by Prime Minister Ibrahim Jafari and other political leaders who called for calm. But many winced with trepidation or smiled with satisfaction as hours after the attack, the office of Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the paramount Shiite religious leader here, issued an unusually blunt statement suggesting it was time for "the faithful" to start protecting religious sites — an apparent endorsement of militias. Full article

Samarra: Shia pilgrimage centre

2006-02-23T22:05:00.000-08:00

Over the centuries, the central Iraqi city of Samarra has attracted millions of Shia pilgrims from all over the Muslim world.
Read the full article in BBC

Iraq summons US ambassador over destruction of holy shrines

2006-02-23T14:09:00.000-08:00

Iraq's Vice-President Adel Abd al-Mahdi, in protest at desecration of holy shrines in Samarra summoned Wednesday night the US ambassador and the commander of occupying forces in Iraq. The Iraqi official lodged a protest over the failure of US forces to protect the security of the city. He also said that part of the responsibility in damage inflicted on the holy shrines is shared by the US forces. "US forces are given the task of guarding the holy shrines every evening to the morning after when the attack took place," Iraqi vice-president said. He also criticized Zalmay Khalilzad, the US ambassador for his inflammatory statement regarding sectarian divisions. He further said that Khalilzad statement on the desirability of interior minister to be non-religious as tantamount to intervention in Iraq's domestic affairs and impetus for fanning the flames of sectarian tension in Iraq. Meanwhile, Iraqi MP Sami al-Asgari has voiced indignation over what he called as excessive meddling of US ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad in Iraqi internal affairs over and above his status as a foreign diplomat. "Khalilzad behaves similar to an omnipotent representative in Iraq." He intervenes in the details of political issues, formation of an Iraq government and stipulates conditions for Iraqi ministers, the Iraqi MP added. In another development, head of the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) Abd al-Aziz al-Hakim said on Wednesday several hours after the bomb blast in Samarra that U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad shares some of the responsibility for the bombing of Imams (AS) shrine. He documented on Khalilzad's statement at a press conference Monday that US would not continue to support institutions run by sectarian groups with links to armed militias. "For sure, the statements made by the ambassador were not made in a responsible way and he did not behave like an ambassador," al-Hakim told reporters in Baghdad. "These statements were the reason for more pressure and gave green lights to terrorist groups. And, therefore, he shares in part of the responsibility." Khalilzad has urged the Iraqis to form a unity government in which nonsectarian figures control the ministries of Defense, which runs the army, and Interior Ministry, which is responsible for the police.

Latest News (4)

2006-02-23T11:33:00.000-08:00

.Afghan president condemns terrorist attack on shrine in Iraq
Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Thursday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the al-Askari shrine in Iraq, the office of the spokesman to the president said in a press release. ...more

.Protests rock valley over desecration of holy shrines in Iraq
Several thousand Shia Muslims on Thursday staged demonstration in various parts of the Kashmir valley in protest against the destruction of holy shrines of Imams (AS) in Iraq. ...more

Attack on famed Shiite shrine may be turning point for U.S. strategy

2006-02-23T11:21:00.000-08:00

By ROBERT H. REID , Associated Press writer
The bombs that ripped through a Shiite shrine yesterday also delivered a severe blow to U.S. efforts to keep Iraq from careening toward civil war — and perhaps to American hopes for a smooth exit from the country. ...
....Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, the country's most powerful Shiite politician, was even more direct. He insisted that U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad shared responsibility for the shrine attack .
Full article

Nasrallah called for Muslim unity

2006-02-23T09:54:00.000-08:00

In Beirut, The leader of Lebanon's Hizbollah group Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah called for Muslim unity in the wake of the mosque bombing.
"I tell the Americans, the Zionists and the criminals who committed yesterday's crime in Samarra that all your aims will fail," Hizbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah told a rally attended by thousands of Lebanese Shi'ites in the southern suburb of Beirut.
"I tell them that this (Muslim) nation will not be torn apart ... It will not fall for the tricks of the occupier."

New Zealand Muslim Community voices outrage at Samarra desecration

2006-02-23T07:55:00.001-08:00

Muslim Community in Wellington, New Zealand on Thursday expressed outrage at desecration of the Islamic sanctities in Iraq.
"On behalf of all the Shia Muslims in New Zealand, the Islamic Ahlul-Bayt Foundation of New Zealand condemns the bombing shrine of Imam Ali al-Naqi and Imam Hassan al-Askariya (peace be upon them), which are located in Iraq," New Zealand Muslim Community said in a statement faxed to IRNA.
"We believe that such anti-Islamic and brutal terrorist attacks are vicious violation of religious values aiming to cause discord, sectarian wars and damage national unity in Iraq.
"Such inhuman acts were carried out by terrorist agents who are creating circumstances that have led to insecurity in Iraq.
Unfortunately, terrorists are using the name of Islam and we strongly oppose any such association.
"Terrorists do not represent any religion or belief and only want to forward their destructive methods using any means possible.
"We, the Islamic Ahlul-Bayt Foundation of New Zealand, express our condolence to all Muslims and religious people of the world. We are against any act of disrespect to any religious belief, and this is sadly a continuation from the printing of the cartoons against the holy Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him & his family).
"This week we are sad and unhappy about the broadcast of the South Park cartoon on C4, which created controversy on the great "Saint Mary" (Mother Mary), who is very respected and loved by all Muslims and about whom a chapter titled "Maryam (Mary)" has been revealed in the Holy Quran.
"Such acts of terrorism either through violence or use of insensitive media cannot destruct the strong will of Muslims and all peace loving people of the world. We stand united and in solidarity against all such disgraceful acts and ask for the support of all the people of New Zealand.

Latest News (3)

2006-02-23T06:26:00.000-08:00

.Sadr urge protecting Sunni mosques
Shiite Cleric Moqtada Sadr has ordered Mehdi Army militia to protect Sunni mosques in southern Iraq, an official from his office said on Thursday."Moqtada Sadr has ordered the Mehdi Army to protect Sunni mosques and religious places in Basra and in other regions" where his movement is influential, Saheb al-Amiri told reporters.

.Pakistanis protest raid on shrines
Pakistani Shiites Thursday declared seven days of mourning for a bombed shrine in Iraq, saying the attack was a conspiracy to divert Muslim anger against blasphemous cartoons insulting Islam's Holy Prophet. ...more

.Major moment of decision' for Iraq, says Blair
Prime Minister Tony Blair Thursday condemned attacks on holy Shia shrines in Iraq as "an act of desperation as well as an act of desecration by the people who committed this outrage." Iraq faces a "major moment of decision" in how it responds to the latest violence, Blair said after being questioned at his latest monthly press conference in London. ...more

.Bahraini Shiites answer Sistani call to protest bombing
Thousands of Bahraini Shiites organized several marches that lasted well into the night on Wednesday hours after Iraq’s top Shiite cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, called for demonstrations over the bombings that destroyed the shrine of Imam Ali al-Mahdi and Hassan al-Askari in Samarra, Iraq. ...more

.Moosavi strongly slams blasts in Askariyain shrine, condoles Holy Prophet (S)
The Quaid-i-Millat-i-Jafariya Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi strongly condemning the bomb blasts at the holy shrine of Hazrat Imam Ali Naqi (A.S.) and Hazrat Imam Hassan Askari (A.S.) in Qubba-tul-Askariyeen Samara, Iraq has termed it the heinous conspiracy of the satanic powers, enemies of Islam and those who commit blasphemy. ...more

.South African scholars condemn bombing Samarra holy shrine
The Media Review Network (MRN) is appalled by and categorically condemned the bombing of mosques and revered shrines in Iraq, South African scholars and intellectuals said in a statement on Thursday. ...more

.Iran warns West over shrine blast
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned Western powers like the United States and Israel that they would face the wrath of Muslims following the devastating bombing of a Shi'ite Muslim shrine in Iraq. ...more

Will Iraq shrine blast spark civil war?

2006-02-23T06:08:00.000-08:00

Police in Baghdad have recovered the bodies of 50 people as tensions run high following the bombing of a Shia shrine in Samarra. A curfew has been called in the Iraqi capital and dozens of Sunni mosques have been attacked across the country.Iraqi political and religious leaders have all called for calm but are also warning publicly about the dangers of a civil war. Will the shrine blast cause civil war in Iraq? What can be done to calm the situation?
Shrine bombing was by unknown terrorists and killing Sunnies around Iraq was by unknown militia too. in your opinion who is the responsible of these terrorist acts? and who will earn the final victory if a civil war happen in Iraq?
We are waiting for your comments and ideas.

Fadallah issues a communique condemning the aggression against the Shrine of Imams Al-Hadi (a.s.) and Al-Askari (a.s.)

2006-02-23T05:40:00.000-08:00

In this communique, he considered the American occupation responsible for this terrorist act and called on the Iraqis to unite against the attempts of inciting strife by those who accuse others of unbelief, since they serve the American occupation in one way or another ....more

UMAA Condemns the acts of terrorism at the Shrine in Samaara.

2006-02-23T04:15:00.000-08:00

Here is the press release from Universal Muslim Association of America (UMAA) :

UMAA strongly condemns the barbaric act of terrorism destroying the shrine of Imam Al-Askari and Imam Al-Hadi Naqvi in the city of Samaara. This act can never be condoned and Muslims in general have to stand up to it. It’s a dark and sad day for the entire Muslim world to sit and watch the destruction of the holy shrine. This act of terrorism has been done none other than the extremist Al-Qaeda Wahabis and their supporters in the muslim world. This is the production of the hatred ideology spread by the Takfiri views and the Wahabi Principles, that considers everyone who is different from them and their ideas, should be persecuted and removed. While we are condemning attacks by the non-Muslims on the Muslims, we should deal with the haters of the followers of Ahlulbayt (A). The minority extremist group hijacking the silent majority and trampling the covenant of Islam with impunity is unchallenged, while the rest of the Muslim scholars of the world remain silent. We urge and recommend that it is about time that such acts should be condemned by all the Muslim scholars of the world to put an end to this kind of tyranny and acts of terrorism. Our hearts and minds are with our brethren who were affected during this attack and we pray for the souls of those who lost their lives and for the rehabilitation of the affected families. We make a special request for the US State Department to look into this matter and take a strong note of the happenings in Samaara.

Latest News (2)

2006-02-23T02:11:00.000-08:00

.Iraq Insurgents Trying `Everything' to Spark War
Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said insurgents are trying ``everything'' to foment civil war as reprisal attacks followed yesterday's bombing of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hadi. ...more

.Solana condemns attack on Imams' (AS) holy shrine in Iraq
EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana expressed Wednesday his shock and condemnation over the terrorist attack against the Shiite shrines of Imam Ali al-Naqi and Imam Hassan al-Askari in Samarra, north of Baghdad, earlier in the day. ...more

.Sunni group suspends talks with parties
major Sunni Arab political party suspended talks with Shiites and Kurds over a new government until the national leadership apologizes for attacks on Sunni mosques in reprisal for the bombing of a Shiite shrine in Samarra, officials said Thursday. ...more

2006-02-23T02:03:00.000-08:00

Small child attended a protest in holy city of Qom after the bomb attack in Samarra

Latest News (1)

2006-02-22T21:39:00.000-08:00

.At least 60 die in further Iraq violence
At least 60 people have been killed in Iraq in an apparent wave of sectarian violence in the wake of the bomb attack on the important Shia shrine in Samarra yesterday. ...more

.Iranian President: Samarra bombing sign of failure of enemies of Islam
The terrorist bombing of the holy shrines of Imam Hadi (AS) and Imam Hassan Asgari (AS) in Iraq is indicative of the abject failure of the enemies of Islam, said President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in this western city on Wednesday evening. ...more

.UN Calls Meeting of Iraqi Leaders After Mosque Attack
The United Nations envoy in Iraq called a meeting of Iraqi religious and political leaders to try to defuse tensions between the Sunni and Shiite Muslim communities after a bomb attack destroyed a Shiite shrine. ...more

.Iran, Syria senior officials condemn Samarra blast
Visiting Iranian First Vice-President Parviz Davoudi and Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Naji al-Utri condemned the tragic explosion which damaged the holy shrines of Imam Hadi (AS) and Imam Hassan Asgari (AS) in Samarra, Iraq....more

.Iraq shrine blast sparks protests
Tens of thousands of people have staged protests across Iraq after a bomb attack heavily damaged one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam. .......more

Shrine Attack Brings Civil War Warning!!

2006-02-22T14:17:00.000-08:00

AP:In the hours after the bombing, more than 60 Sunni mosques were attacked, burned or taken over by Shiites, said the Iraqi Islamic Party, the country's largest Sunni political group. The attacked mosques were mainly in Baghdad and predominantly Shiite provinces south of the country.
Al-Sistani - the top Shiite cleric - sent instructions to his followers forbidding attacks on Sunni mosques, especially the major ones in Baghdad. He called for seven days of mourning, his aides said. But he later hinted, as did Iraqi Vice President Adil Abdul-Mahdi that religious militias could be given a bigger security role if the government is not capable of protecting holy shrines.

Khamenei called Shia Muslims to exercise self-restraint

2006-02-22T13:36:00.000-08:00

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Wednesday called on Shia Muslims to exercise self-restraint and not to attack Sunni mosques.
In a message of condolence to the World Muslims, the Supreme Leader held the occupying forces and the Zionists deployed in Iraq responsible for desecration of the Islamic sanctities and bombing holy shrines of Imam Hadi (AS) and Imam Hassan Asgari (AS).
The Supreme Leader announced one week national mourning to mark the tragedy which injured hearts of the Muslims worldwide.

Full message

Some Links

2006-02-22T13:24:00.000-08:00

Samarra: Shia pilgrimage centre (BBC)
In pictures: Iraq shrine bombing (BBC)
In pictures: Iraq shrine bombing (Yahoo)
A new plot to divide Muslims (Mehr News)
Ayatollah Khamenei's message on Sammara tragedy (IRIB News)
Shiite mosque bombing sparks attacks on Sunnis (CNN)

Askariya Shrine

2006-02-22T13:19:00.000-08:00

• Located in Samarra, Askariya is one of the most important Shiite shrines in the world, attracting millions of pilgrims.
• Askariya contains the tombs of the 10th and 11th imams, Ali al-Hadi and his son Hassan al-Askari. Shiites believe that Askari's son Muhammad al-Mahdi, the 12th imam who disappeared in 878, will return to earth.
• The mosque, first developed in the 10th century, has been rebuilt numerous times. Its golden dome, which dominates the skyline, was built in 1905 and contains some 72,000 gold pieces.

Ayatollah Sistani appeals for calm

2006-02-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

Tens of thousands of people have staged protests across Iraq after a bomb attack heavily damaged one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam.

Iraq's top Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, has appealed for calm and called for a week of mourning.

Iraq's top Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, has appealed for calm and called for a week of mourning.
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said the country must work to avoid a civil war.

Who is Imam Hadi?

2006-02-22T12:06:00.000-08:00

Shia tenth Imam is al-Imam Ali al-Hadi (a.s), who is also called al-Imam Ali-al-Naqi. He was born to al-Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (a.s) on 15th Dhul al Hijjah, in one of the villages around Medina. According to the Divine decree and the command of the Prophet (s.a.w), al-Imam Muhammad al-Jawad designated Ali al-Hadi (a.s) as his successor, the Imam and leader of the people after himself.
Like his father, al-Imam Ali al-Hadi (a.s) attained the position of Imamate at a very tender age, and in this position he guided and led the people.
From his early childhood al-Imam al-Hadi (a.s) was a perfect model of Islam. He was free of all faults and defects, and was adorned with all good qualities and virtues. It was for this reason that the people called him al- "Naqi" which means pure and holy, and al- "Hadi" which means guide.
With great determination and effort al-Imam al-Hadi (a.s) worked hard to guide the people, and he taught them the correct manner of living. The people were extremely fond of him, and they benefited greatly from his guidance, his knowledge and his awareness. Through him they found the right path in life.
Al-Mutawwakkil, the bloodthirsty Abbasid tyrant, was envious towards al-Imam al-Hadi (a.s) and fearful of the Imam's powerful influence. For this reason he summoned the Imam from al-Madinah to Samarra, in present day Iraq, and placed him under surveillance in an army camp.
Al-Imam al-Hadi (a.s) lived in this world for forty years. He was always opposed to the oppression of the ruling Abbasids, and used to condemn their tyranny and oppression. The result was that on 3rd Rajab, 254 A.H, he was martyred in Samarra through poison. His sacred body was buried in Samarra. May eternal peace be upon him.