After the “Islamic State” (IS) issued a threat that all Christians in Mosul must convert, die, or flee, most chose the final option and escaped IS held territory. Heading towards the southern region of Iraq, which is believed to be relatively safe, the Christian community was met with offers of safe haven in the cities of Najaf and Karbala, which house some of the holiest shrines of Shia Islam. In a statement earlier this week, the shrine of Imam Ali announced that “it is ready to host the Christian families who departed their houses in fear of being killed by what is so called the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant.” The deputy secretary-general of the Holy Shrine, Zuhair Shurba, told IraqiNews “The Holy Shrine can host many Christian families and provide them all their basic needs.” Reportedly, the offer is also available to Sunnis, Kurds and all other Iraqis fleeing violence at the hands of ISIS. Following the announcements, the Iraqi city of Basra also opened its facilities to displaced Christians, and is reportedly hosting approximately 100 families from surrounding regions. The shrine is the site of the final resting place of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib, son-in-law of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad. According to Sunni belief, Imam Ali served as the fourth and final “righteously guided” Caliph; Shias hold him to be the true successor to the Prophet. Also inviting refugees is the nearby city of Karbala, home to the shrines of Imam Husain and Abul Fadhl Abbas, two sons of Imam Ali who served as important historical leaders.
Posted on: Mon, 28 Jul 2014 14:49:51 +0000
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