A provocative act by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham has sparked outrage among Shia communities in Syria, with a video emerging of poetry praising Umar ibn al-Khattab being recited at the holy shrine of Sayyidah Zainab , an act perceived as a deliberate insult to Shia beliefs and a strategy to incite sectarian tensions.
In a continuation of provocative actions by elements of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, a video has been released showing poetry recited at the shrine of Sayyidah Zainab in praise of Umar ibn al-Khattab, known as Umar Farooq, the second caliph. This event has stirred significant controversy, as Umar ibn al-Khattab is associated in Shia history with a painful event involving Lady Fatimah (S), the mother of Lady Zainab .
While such an act could have taken place at Damascus’s Umayyad Mosque, a stronghold of Salafi beliefs, its deliberate occurrence at a prominent Shia shrine highlights an apparent intent to provoke Shia sentiments in Syria. These actions seem designed to escalate tensions and possibly justify large-scale violence against Shia Muslims. The perpetrators are clearly aware of the impact of their actions.
Analysis by Faeze Aghamohammady
This event underscores actions that could have severe repercussions in a region marked by deep sectarian and political divides. Reciting poetry in praise of Umar ibn al-Khattab at the shrine of Sayyidah Zainab , one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims, appears to be more than a simple religious gesture. This act seems deliberately crafted to provoke the Shia community, as Umar holds a controversial place in Shia historical narratives.
Conducting such an act in a sacred space symbolizes a direct affront to Shia beliefs. As mentioned in the report, this event could have been staged at the Umayyad Mosque. The choice of Sayyidah Zainab’s (S) shrine reflects a clear intent to spark tensions among Shia communities. In the broader context of the Islamic world, where unity between Shia and Sunni communities is crucial in facing shared challenges such as Israeli aggression, extremism, and foreign interventions, such provocations exacerbate sectarian divides.
Syria’s diverse religious and ethnic composition makes it especially vulnerable to such actions. Sectarian provocations threaten social cohesion and could escalate tensions in regions where Shia and Sunni communities coexist. Given Syria’s ongoing recovery from the devastation of its civil war, this act could further strain intercommunal relations.
Even if most Sunnis oppose such provocations, retaliatory actions by parts of the Shia community could lead to a cycle of mutual hostility, endangering long-term social harmony. On the other hand, fostering collaboration between Shia and Sunni communities is vital for strengthening resistance against external threats. Such unity is essential to counter the divisive strategies employed by enemies aiming to weaken the Muslim world.
Geopolitical Implications
The “divide and conquer” strategy has been a cornerstone of U.S. and Israeli policies in the Middle East. Sectarian conflicts provide these powers with opportunities to position themselves as mediators while exploiting the resulting instability to pursue their interests.
Israel, for example, supports extremist groups and indirectly fuels regional crises to divert Muslim attention away from the Palestinian cause.
Furthermore, groups like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham exploit sectarian divisions to consolidate power and expand their influence in Sunni-majority regions. By portraying themselves as defenders of Sunni Islam, they seek legitimacy among Sunnis, even at the cost of alienating and oppressing Shia communities.
This approach enables extremist groups to inflame religious hatred and recruit new followers. Such incidents could also inspire similar reactions in other countries with mixed Shia-Sunni populations, further spreading the flames of sectarianism.
Strategies to Counter Sectarian Provocations: To combat these divisive actions, strengthening Shia-Sunni unity is essential. Key steps include:
Promoting Interfaith Dialogue: Joint sessions between Shia and Sunni scholars to emphasize commonalities and dispel misunderstandings.
Leveraging Media: Using Islamic media platforms to counter divisive narratives.
Raising Public Awareness: Educating Muslims about the motives of adversaries aiming to exploit sectarian differences and fostering a spirit of unity.
Governmental and Organizational Roles: Islamic countries should issue joint statements condemning provocative actions. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) can play a significant role in easing tensions and mediating conflicts.
The action by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham at the shrine of Sayyidah Zainab is not merely a religious act but part of a broader strategy to deepen divides between Shia and Sunni Muslims. In this sensitive context, Muslim unity is more critical than ever, requiring awareness, dialogue, and practical efforts to prevent the widening of sectarian gaps.