Tehran: History often shows such twists which were never even imagined. There was a time when Iran and Iraq were engaged in a fierce war for eight years. Lakhs of people lost their lives in this conflict and deep enmity arose between the two countries. But now the picture has changed. The discussion of some important religious rituals related to the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the holy cities of Iraq has attracted the world’s attention.
Why was there a war between Iran and Iraq?
The Iran–Iraq War, which lasted from 1980 to 1988, is one of the longest and most destructive conflicts in West Asia. It started after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. At that time, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein feared that Iran’s new revolutionary thinking could reach the Shia-dominated areas of his country. Apart from this, there was already tension between the two countries regarding border dispute and Shatt-al-Arab waterway. This dispute eventually turned into war.
What changed after the war ended?
This war, which lasted for about eight years, caused huge losses to both the countries. Millions of soldiers and civilians were killed, many cities were destroyed and the economy of both countries was deeply affected. However, circumstances changed with time. After the end of Saddam Hussein’s rule, the influence of Shia parties increased in Iraqi politics and relations between the two countries started becoming softer than before.
What is the religious significance of Najaf and Karbala?
The discussion of taking Khamenei’s body to Najaf and Karbala in Iraq for religious rituals is also considered important because both these cities are counted among the most sacred religious places of Shia Muslims. Najaf houses the holy shrine of Hazrat Imam Ali, while Karbala is considered a symbol of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. Every year lakhs of devotees from all over the world reach these two cities.
What is the meaning of this decision?
Experts believe that this is not only a religious tradition but also a big symbolic step. This sends the message that Iran wants to keep its religious identity and relations with the Shia community strong at the global level. It also shows that the relations between Iran and Iraq, which were once facing each other on the battlefield, have now changed a lot.
Four decades ago, the same land on which soldiers of the two countries were fighting against each other is today witnessing new relationships through religious events. This development also presents a new picture of West Asia amidst changing political and religious equations.
