The Second Awakener – Page 3

Sack of Karbalá’ in 1843

The Shí’a clergy of the ‘Atabát coveted power and instigated unrest among their followers against the Sunnís. This was particularly notable in the area of Karbalá’. This discord prompted the Ottoman central government to dispatch a military commander, Najíb Páshá, and his forces to quell the disturbances. Recognizing Siyyid Kázim’s integrity, Najíb Páshá sought his mediation, proposing that the Shí’a submit to Ottoman [Sunní] law in exchange for amnesty. However, the Shí’a clerics rebuffed this offer. In fact, they deceived both Siyyid Kázim and Najíb Páshá. The Shí’a clerics promised both Siyyid Kázim and Najíb Páshá they would yield to the Ottoman forces on a set day, but instead told their followers to prepare and start a jihád

[a holy war] against the Ottoman forces. Najíb Páshá, became aware of

View of Karbalá’ showing Shrine of Imám Husayn. Archival photo.

is buried [his tomb is in the centre of the city]. Also Imám Husayn’s brother ‘Abbás is buried in the south-east quarter of the city. Najaf is about 45 miles south of Karbalá’ and is where Imám ‘Alí is buried. Kúfa, where Imám ‘Alí was killed, is adjacent to Najaf. Kázimayn [now essentially part of Baghdad] is across the river Tigris from Baghdád old city area and is where the 7th and 9th Imáms are buried. Sámarrá which is about 80 miles north of Baghdád is where the 10th and 11th Imáms are buried. It is also where the 12th Imám is believed to have gone into hiding [called occultation] and expected to return as the Promised One on the Day of Judgement-Resurrection. For more information see Resources: Brief Background on Shí’a Islam.

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