Posted on 08/18/2006 9:48:23 PM PDT by Lorianne
Hojjatieh is a semi-clandestine Iranian organization which is radically anti-Bahá'í and anti-Sunni. The group flourished during the 1979 revolution that ousted the Shah and installed an Islamic government in his place. However it was banned in 1983 by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the father of the revolution.
They believe that chaos must be created to hasten the return of the Mahdi, the 12th Shi'ite Imam. Only then, they argue, can a genuine Islamic republic be established.
The current president of Iran Mahmud Ahmadinejad is rumored to be an advocate of this group through the influence of his mentor, the Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi, who is also currently the highest ranking member in the organization.
ping
IN THE WORDS OF STONEWALL JACKSON KILL'EM KILL'EM ALL
a fine Christian man ;^)
Good article, as far as it goes.
I have had one problem with all the reporting on the Hojatieh Society for the last year or so. Every article asserts that they "believe that chaos must be created to hasten the return of the Mahdi" -- but not one article has provided a direct quote from a Hojatieh leader (or even member) to back that assertion up.
All the quotes I've seen are from the political and theological opponents of the Hojatiehs: the Ayatollah Khomeini, the Ayatollah Khamenei, the Bahais, Amir Taheri (former editor of the Kahyan), William Samii (of Radio Liberty), etc.
This article by Taheri from 6/16/06 offers two theological terms for the factions: the Muntazeris and the Ta'ajilis.
The theological division among Shi'ites concerns a simple question: What should believers do while the Imam is absent? One doctrine, known as Intizar (waiting) maintains that the best that believers can do is to be patient and wait until the Imam decides to return. Followers of that doctrine are known as Muntazeris (Those Who Wait).
That doctrine is opposed by another known as Ta'ajil (To hasten). Its adepts believe that believers should act to hasten the coming of the Mahdi. The Ta'ajilis (Hasteners) insist that believers should seek to unite the entire Islamic ummah and lead it into battle against the "Infidel," with the view of provoking a final showdown for global domination in the hope that, when the crunch comes, the Hidden Imam will return to ensure the victory of the Only Truth.
Throughout history, the overwhelming majority of Shi'ites in Iran have subscribed to the doctrine of Patient Waiting. The new elite, however, is decidedly seduced by the doctrine of Hastening the Return. President Ahmadinejad openly claims that the aim of his government's actions is to hasten the coming of the Mahdi.
The Hasteners have put together a powerful coalition backed by large segments of the military and security services. This includes the Fedayeen (self-sacrificers) of Islam, the Coalition of Islamic Associations, the Hezbollah (Party of Allah) and the United Front of the Followers of the Imam.
I am quite willing to believe Messrs. Samii and Taheri that the Hojatieh do have a belief in "Ta'ajil."
But, as a researcher, I would very much appreciate a direct quote from a Hojatieh believer himself proving the assertion. To me, it does not seem to be too much to ask. But, so far, no commentator has provided such a quotation.
For an explanation of the Signs of Qiyama, see my FR homepage.
Bahais are probably the most polite and peaceful people on earth.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.