A movement calling itself the "Qurban" group has emerged in southern Iraq, adopting "human sacrifice" as a means to draw closer to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, whom they regard as a "god." However, both Sunni and Shia Islamic beliefs fundamentally reject this practice, which is primarily based on the oneness of God and the prohibition of associating any other beings with divine authority. Throughout human history, various schisms or developments arise from either divine or earthly ideologies, often leading to the emergence of political parties that branch into factions. However, religions have witnessed the most transformations and changes in their histories, with newborn movements typically drawing attention. While some fade quickly, others maintain or expand their presence, but a few may turn into phenomena that cannot be overlooked, especially if their beliefs promote the termination of their adherents' lives.
**Suicide as Sacrifice**
The "Qurban" group, which gained attention in southern Iraq in 2023, is one of the most bizarre groups. Its followers believe that sacrificing themselves through "suicide" makes them "offerings" to reach "their god." They draw lots among themselves, and those whose names come up proceed to commit voluntary suicide. However, one individual apparently hesitated and could not take his own life voluntarily, prompting the group's believers to bind his hands and force him into suicide, according to a source from the security agency who spoke to Shafaq News Agency.
The "Qurban" group unexpectedly emerged in Dhi Qar province, southern Iraq, in 2023, specifically during the month of Ashura, when Shia Muslims commemorate the Battle of al-Taf, which occurred in Karbala 1,400 years ago, resulting in the killing of Imam Hussein ibn Ali and his companions at the hands of Yazid ibn Muawiya's army. At that time, a security source informed Shafaq News that an individual committed suicide by hanging inside one of the Hussainiya mourning processions in Dhi Qar (mourning processions are voluntary resting places that provide services to visitors walking to Karbala to perform pilgrimage rituals at Imam Hussein's shrine).
According to the security source, the suicide victim was a member of the "Qurban" group, whose name became known during this period. Subsequently, the incidents of suicides attributed to this group increased, prompting the Ministry of Interior, the National Security Agency, along with other security and religious entities to investigate the matter.
**Dozens of Suicides and Security Pursuits**
Ali Al-Nashi, director of the Social Communication and Brotherhood Organization, told Shafaq News that during the first quarter of 2023, his organization recorded more than 24 suicide cases that resulted in fatalities in Nasiriyah city and its suburbs, alongside numerous unreported cases. He emphasized that "this number of suicide cases is significant compared to previous years," noting that many criminal incidents have been mislabeled as suicides, especially involving women.
In May 2023, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior's intelligence agency announced the arrest of four individuals in the al-Shuyukh district of Dhi Qar, accused of joining the "Qurban" group. Legal actions were taken against them, and they were referred to relevant authorities for further investigations.
It is noteworthy that the "Qurban" group first appeared in the 1990s during the life of the late religious authority Muhammad Muhammad Sadiq al-Sadr, who condemned them at that time. However, they re-emerged in the past two years. In April of the current year, the group's activities reappeared, with suicide cases among its supporters recorded in the al-Shuyukh district (the group's main stronghold) south of Nasiriyah.
**Specific Teachings and Rituals**
An informed source revealed the rituals of the group before executing any member's suicide, stating that they possess a book from which they derive their religious teachings. The book is titled "I Am I Am I" with the slogan "Whoever dies sees me." The source noted that "the book is shared only through private channels on the Telegram application and that the group’s followers are limited to very small circles that communicate electronically."
Before each suicide, candles and specific flowers are brought, along with the recitation of their particular rituals. The individual designated for suicide is instructed to carry out the act as a sacrifice to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, under the supervision of specific members of their group. Means of suicide include jumping from heights or hanging.
Security forces have reported conducting raids and searches in parts of the al-Shuyukh district of Dhi Qar to apprehend prominent leaders of this deviant group. The source informed Shafaq News that "security forces succeeded in arresting four of the group's prominent leaders, who oversaw the recent suicide of one of the members, while pursuing others involved in the act." It was indicated that "a judicial investigation was carried out for the arrested individuals."
Shafaq News attempted to contact the official authorities in Dhi Qar Province to seek clarifications regarding the developments concerning the group's supporters, but without success.
**Scholarly Perspectives**
Islamic and sectarian studies researcher Rashid Al-Saray stated to Shafaq News that "there is no precedent in Shia history or in the beliefs of any Shia sect that diverged from or wholly deviated from Shia beliefs, regarding the notion of offering sacrifices to Imam Ali through suicide. Even the most extreme sects, like the Alawites and Nusairis, do not have this method in their beliefs."
He emphasized that this is "a new deviant idea arising from a mix of religions and beliefs in an attempt to mislead young people with specialized methods. Therefore, it is essential to confront it vigorously, especially as similar cases continue to emerge, such as a suicide by a young man in Lebanon about a year ago."
It is important to note that some religions and beliefs endorse the "sacrifice of oneself" for the sake of God or the belief they subscribe to. In this context, historian of religions Abbas Shams al-Din explained that "the Qurban group and foreign suicide sects believe in what they call immediate resurrection, such as the Jonestown group or David Koresh's group, considering suicide to be a self-sacrifice for Imam Ali, whom they regard as divine."
Shams al-Din confirmed that "all extremist groups that deify individuals, like Ali ibn Abi Talib or one of his descendants, or the Rawandiyah deifying Abu Ja'far al-Mansur, or any Christian sect, have not adopted the act of suicide, contrary to what is reported about the Qurban group."
In June 2023, a case of suicide by a young man named "Ali Farhat" was recorded in the Harat Harek area of southern Beirut. He jumped from the third floor while naked, having recently arrived in Lebanon from Canada with his wife and child. Hours after his suicide, his wife Fatima Fakher al-Din also committed suicide in the same manner, leading some to link them to the "Qurban" group.