Isa Qassim
Encyclopedia
Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Ahmed Qassim (Arabic: آية الله الشيخ عيسى أحمد قاسم) is Bahrain
's top Shia religious leader and a politician. He is the spiritual leader of Al Wefaq
, Bahrain's biggest opposition society. He was the leader and is the founders of Islamic Awareness institution.
. He studied in Budaiya primary school where he was known for his intelligence and it was reported that he always scored the highest marks. After finishing primary school and with his brother's aid he moved to Manama's secondary school. After graduating he worked as a teacher in Budaiya primary school where he remained until 1962.
at night for studying Islamic teachings on the hand of judge sheikh Abdul-Hussain Al-Heli (Died in 1957). In 1962 Qassim began studies at the Najaf
Religious Institute in Iraq
, where he studied on the hand of many Marja
's including Mohammad Baqir al-Sadr. He remained in Al-Najaf for 4 years then returned to Bahrain where he worked as a teacher in Al-Khamis intermediate school for 2 years before returning to Al-Najaf. In Al-Najaf he met with other Bahrani scholars including: Sheikh Abdul Amir al-Jamri
, Sheikh Abdulla Al-Guraifi, Sheikh Abdulla Al-Madani and Sheikh Abbas Al-Rayes. All of them were from the same generation and knew each other well even before going to Al-Najaf, due to being partners as students or teachers.
to continue his religious studies. He studied on the hands of some of the highest-ranking Marja
s including: Ayatollah Sayed Mahmood Al-Qashimi, Ayatollah Sayed Kadhem Al-haeri and Ayatolla Fadhel Al-Lankarani. In March 2001, he finished kharij studies and gained the title of Ayatollah
. He returned to Bahrain on March 8, 2001.
mosque since his return to Bahrain in 2001. Thousands of worshipers attend this sermon weekly. During the first speech preceding prayer, Qassim usually speaks about religious topics. And about political topics during the second speech.
where he had big influence in including parts of the Islamic sharia
in the 1973 constitution
.
, Sheikh Abdulla Al-Madani, Sheikh Abbas Al-Rayes, Suleiman Al-Mubarak and Hassan Al-Motawwaj. At first they were 9 members, but later 3 of them joined the 'Independent middle' block. During elections the block adopted a wide program including: supporting the labor's union & demands, forbidding trade of Alcoholic drinks and separating men and women in higher education (like primary, intermediate and secondary schools). They also called for prohibiting male doctors from treating females (especially in pregnancy) as well as other demands that are part of the Islamic customs.
In 1973 Qassim was elected a member of Bahrain's parliament, the National Assembly of Bahrain
, until the parliament was dissolved in August 1975. He gained 1079 votes making him the biggest winner in the fifteen constituency.
and Lebanon
. Their confessions were broadcasted Bahrain TV. Many Bahraini Shias denied that Isa Qassim was involved in any plot and claimed that the confessions were taken under torture.
Role in Al Wefaq
Isa Qassim
is often referred to as the spiritual leader of Al Wefaq
. However, he has no formal position within the party and has attained this status as a result of his religious seniority.Some see this as a way for Qassim to avoid “submitting his opinions to internal democratic debate so that he can retain the final decision without paying the price for it”. Qassim rarely makes his decisions in public.
Qassim has been a vocal critic of the government and has led the opposition to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. "Bahrain’s Sunni rulers have treated Shiite anti-government protesters seeking greater rights in the Gulf kingdom as enemies of state." He said on September 16 during Friday Sermon. "the politics of fear and the Sunni rulers’ refusal to reform has strengthened the resolve of Bahrain’s Shiite majority. He added.
(GCC) agreed to deploy Peninsula Shield Force troops to Bahrain. Saudi Arabia
deployed about 1,000 troops with armored support, and the United Arab Emirates
deployed about 500 police officers. The forces crossed into Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway
. The purported reason of the intervention was to secure key installations. The opposition reacted strongly, calling it an "occupation".
In response to the deployment of the GCC troops in Bahrain. Sheik Isa Qassim, criticised al-Khalifa's claims that the mobilisation of GCC troops is a broader effort to ensure regional stability, rather than what Qassim considers to be Sunni entrenchment and a veiled challenge to Shia representation in the government. "We would have been proud to see the Gulf
military forces marching to help our brothers in Gaza
, instead they have made a big mistake by marching towards a peaceful and unarmed people demanding their legitimate rights in peaceful ways. They are targeting their weapons to the chests of unarmed people. The Bahraini army has enough power to shed as much blood as it wanted and your presence is contrary to Arab
and Muslim
traditions. If you claim victory, you are actually defeated." He said on March 18, during the first Friday sermon after declaration of martial law.
, an opposition stronghold northwest of the capital, Manama. “These sentences and abuses are like a dam preventing people from participating in dialogue.”
On July 1, in the speech preceding Friday Sermon in Diraz
, Qassim termed the concessions acceptable as initial steps towards wider reform. “These are good steps in the right direction,” he said. However, Qassim warned against marginalizing Shias during the talks and called on the Sunni rulers to strive for “real reform” by talking to all opposition leaders, including those serving life sentences for their role in the protests.
was a 14-year-old Bahraini teenager who died in hospital on 31 August, 2011 after reportedly being hit in the head by a tear gas canister shot by Bahraini security forces during the 2011 Bahraini uprising
. The Bahraini government denied security force involvement in his death and offered a reward for information on the incident. Activists, however, began a series of large protests after his funeral.
Isa Qassim has blamed security forces for the death of Ali Jawad, saying, "the killing of a 14-year-old boy by security forces during an anti-government demonstration Wednesday shows that the island nation’s Sunni rulers are not listening to people’s demands for greater rights."
Bahrain
' , officially the Kingdom of Bahrain , is a small island state near the western shores of the Persian Gulf. It is ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family. The population in 2010 stood at 1,214,705, including 235,108 non-nationals. Formerly an emirate, Bahrain was declared a kingdom in 2002.Bahrain is...
's top Shia religious leader and a politician. He is the spiritual leader of Al Wefaq
Al Wefaq
Al Wefaq National Islamic Society , also known as the Islamic National Accord Association, is a Bahraini political society, and the largest party in the Bahrain, both in terms of its membership and its results at the polls...
, Bahrain's biggest opposition society. He was the leader and is the founders of Islamic Awareness institution.
Biography
Isa Qassim was born in 1937 to a fisherman who doesn't belong to any famous family in DurazDiraz
Diraz is a village on the north west coast of Bahrain. It lies to the east of Budaiya, west of Bar-bar and north of Bani Jamra. It is a predominantly Shia village....
. He studied in Budaiya primary school where he was known for his intelligence and it was reported that he always scored the highest marks. After finishing primary school and with his brother's aid he moved to Manama's secondary school. After graduating he worked as a teacher in Budaiya primary school where he remained until 1962.
Religious Activity
Religious study in 1960s
During his academic study Isa Qassim used to go to NoaimNoaim
Noaim is a district of Bahrain's capital Manama, located in the northwest of Manama city center.Noaim's residents were historically known for their skills in ship crafting and carpentry. In the year 1930, a small clinic was built in Noaim, which was the base for Noaim Health Center, first...
at night for studying Islamic teachings on the hand of judge sheikh Abdul-Hussain Al-Heli (Died in 1957). In 1962 Qassim began studies at the Najaf
Najaf
Najaf is a city in Iraq about 160 km south of Baghdad. Its estimated population in 2008 is 560,000 people. It is the capital of Najaf Governorate...
Religious Institute in Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
, where he studied on the hand of many Marja
Marja
Marja , also known as a marja-i taqlid or marja dini , literally means "Source to Imitate/Follow" or "Religious Reference"...
's including Mohammad Baqir al-Sadr. He remained in Al-Najaf for 4 years then returned to Bahrain where he worked as a teacher in Al-Khamis intermediate school for 2 years before returning to Al-Najaf. In Al-Najaf he met with other Bahrani scholars including: Sheikh Abdul Amir al-Jamri
Abdul Amir al-Jamri
Sheikh Abdul Amir al-Jamri was the 'spiritual leader' of Bahrain's Twelver Shi'a population and the 1990s Intifada. He is the father of Mansoor Al-Jamri, editor-in-chief of the Al Wasat daily newspaper.- Biography :...
, Sheikh Abdulla Al-Guraifi, Sheikh Abdulla Al-Madani and Sheikh Abbas Al-Rayes. All of them were from the same generation and knew each other well even before going to Al-Najaf, due to being partners as students or teachers.
Religious study in 1990s
In the begging of 1990s, Isa Qassim traveled to Qum in IranIran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
to continue his religious studies. He studied on the hands of some of the highest-ranking Marja
Marja
Marja , also known as a marja-i taqlid or marja dini , literally means "Source to Imitate/Follow" or "Religious Reference"...
s including: Ayatollah Sayed Mahmood Al-Qashimi, Ayatollah Sayed Kadhem Al-haeri and Ayatolla Fadhel Al-Lankarani. In March 2001, he finished kharij studies and gained the title of Ayatollah
Ayatollah
Ayatollah is a high ranking title given to Usuli Twelver Shī‘ah clerics. Those who carry the title are experts in Islamic studies such as jurisprudence, ethics, and philosophy and usually teach in Islamic seminaries. The next lower clerical rank is Hojatoleslam wal-muslemin...
. He returned to Bahrain on March 8, 2001.
Friday Sermon
Ayatollah Isa Qassim has been leading Friday Sermon in DurazDiraz
Diraz is a village on the north west coast of Bahrain. It lies to the east of Budaiya, west of Bar-bar and north of Bani Jamra. It is a predominantly Shia village....
mosque since his return to Bahrain in 2001. Thousands of worshipers attend this sermon weekly. During the first speech preceding prayer, Qassim usually speaks about religious topics. And about political topics during the second speech.
1970s Elections
In 1971 Isa Qassim was chosen by religious leaders to be a candidate for elections while he was still in Iraq. At first he refused and wanted to stay in Iraq to finish his studies and stay away from politics, but just four days before candidates registration was closed, his brother Mahdi traveled to Iraq and brought him back along with his wife and kids. In 1972 he was elected for the Constituent assemblyConstituent assembly
A constituent assembly is a body composed for the purpose of drafting or adopting a constitution...
where he had big influence in including parts of the Islamic sharia
Sharia
Sharia law, is the moral code and religious law of Islam. Sharia is derived from two primary sources of Islamic law: the precepts set forth in the Quran, and the example set by the Islamic prophet Muhammad in the Sunnah. Fiqh jurisprudence interprets and extends the application of sharia to...
in the 1973 constitution
Constitution of Bahrain
Bahrain has had two constitutions in its modern history. The first one was promulgated in 1973, and the second one in 2002.-Constitution of 1973:* Full text of the 1973 constitution...
.
Formation of the religious block
In 1972 a 'religious block' was formed which included Isa Qassim, Sheikh Abdul Amir al-JamriAbdul Amir al-Jamri
Sheikh Abdul Amir al-Jamri was the 'spiritual leader' of Bahrain's Twelver Shi'a population and the 1990s Intifada. He is the father of Mansoor Al-Jamri, editor-in-chief of the Al Wasat daily newspaper.- Biography :...
, Sheikh Abdulla Al-Madani, Sheikh Abbas Al-Rayes, Suleiman Al-Mubarak and Hassan Al-Motawwaj. At first they were 9 members, but later 3 of them joined the 'Independent middle' block. During elections the block adopted a wide program including: supporting the labor's union & demands, forbidding trade of Alcoholic drinks and separating men and women in higher education (like primary, intermediate and secondary schools). They also called for prohibiting male doctors from treating females (especially in pregnancy) as well as other demands that are part of the Islamic customs.
In 1973 Qassim was elected a member of Bahrain's parliament, the National Assembly of Bahrain
National Assembly of Bahrain
The National Assembly is the name of both chambers of the Bahraini parliament when sitting in joint session, as laid out in the Constitution of 2002....
, until the parliament was dissolved in August 1975. He gained 1079 votes making him the biggest winner in the fifteen constituency.
1996 Coup Plot Allegations
The Bahraini government alleged that Qassim was implicated in a coup plot in 1996. They accused him to be the head of an Iran-based group called Hizbullah Bahrain, who were said to be behind a conspiracy to overthrow the Bahraini government. Some of those convicted of the conspiracy confessed to receiving financial help and military training from IranIran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
and Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
. Their confessions were broadcasted Bahrain TV. Many Bahraini Shias denied that Isa Qassim was involved in any plot and claimed that the confessions were taken under torture.
Role in Al WefaqAl WefaqAl Wefaq National Islamic Society , also known as the Islamic National Accord Association, is a Bahraini political society, and the largest party in the Bahrain, both in terms of its membership and its results at the polls...
Isa QassimIsa Qassim
Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Ahmed Qassim is Bahrain's top Shia religious leader and a politician. He is the spiritual leader of Al Wefaq, Bahrain's biggest opposition society. He was the leader and is the founders of Islamic Awareness institution.- Biography :Isa Qassim was born in 1937 to a fisherman...
is often referred to as the spiritual leader of Al Wefaq
Al Wefaq
Al Wefaq National Islamic Society , also known as the Islamic National Accord Association, is a Bahraini political society, and the largest party in the Bahrain, both in terms of its membership and its results at the polls...
. However, he has no formal position within the party and has attained this status as a result of his religious seniority.Some see this as a way for Qassim to avoid “submitting his opinions to internal democratic debate so that he can retain the final decision without paying the price for it”. Qassim rarely makes his decisions in public.
Involvement in 2011 Bahraini uprising
Throughout the 2011 Bahraini uprising2011 Bahraini uprising
The 2011 Bahraini uprising, sometimes called the February 14 Revolution is a series of demonstrations, amounting to a sustained campaign of civil resistance, in the Persian Gulf country of Bahrain...
Qassim has been a vocal critic of the government and has led the opposition to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. "Bahrain’s Sunni rulers have treated Shiite anti-government protesters seeking greater rights in the Gulf kingdom as enemies of state." He said on September 16 during Friday Sermon. "the politics of fear and the Sunni rulers’ refusal to reform has strengthened the resolve of Bahrain’s Shiite majority. He added.
Deployment of Peninsula Shield Force
On 14 March, the Gulf Cooperation CouncilCooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf
The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf , also known as the Gulf Cooperation Council , is a political and economic union of the Arab states bordering the Persian Gulf and constituting the Arabian Peninsula, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates...
(GCC) agreed to deploy Peninsula Shield Force troops to Bahrain. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , commonly known in British English as Saudi Arabia and in Arabic as as-Sa‘ūdiyyah , is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab World...
deployed about 1,000 troops with armored support, and the United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as the UAE, or shortened to "the Emirates", is a state situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman, and Saudi Arabia, and sharing sea borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iran.The UAE is a...
deployed about 500 police officers. The forces crossed into Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway
King Fahd Causeway
The King Fahd Causeway is a causeway connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The idea of constructing the causeway was based on improving the links and bonds between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain...
. The purported reason of the intervention was to secure key installations. The opposition reacted strongly, calling it an "occupation".
In response to the deployment of the GCC troops in Bahrain. Sheik Isa Qassim, criticised al-Khalifa's claims that the mobilisation of GCC troops is a broader effort to ensure regional stability, rather than what Qassim considers to be Sunni entrenchment and a veiled challenge to Shia representation in the government. "We would have been proud to see the Gulf
Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf
The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf , also known as the Gulf Cooperation Council , is a political and economic union of the Arab states bordering the Persian Gulf and constituting the Arabian Peninsula, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates...
military forces marching to help our brothers in Gaza
Gaza
Gaza , also referred to as Gaza City, is a Palestinian city in the Gaza Strip, with a population of about 450,000, making it the largest city in the Palestinian territories.Inhabited since at least the 15th century BC,...
, instead they have made a big mistake by marching towards a peaceful and unarmed people demanding their legitimate rights in peaceful ways. They are targeting their weapons to the chests of unarmed people. The Bahraini army has enough power to shed as much blood as it wanted and your presence is contrary to Arab
Arab
Arab people, also known as Arabs , are a panethnicity primarily living in the Arab world, which is located in Western Asia and North Africa. They are identified as such on one or more of genealogical, linguistic, or cultural grounds, with tribal affiliations, and intra-tribal relationships playing...
and Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
traditions. If you claim victory, you are actually defeated." He said on March 18, during the first Friday sermon after declaration of martial law.
Criticism to the judicial system
On June 24, Qassim sharply criticized the life sentences given to eight opposition leaders for their role in anti-government protests. He called the mass trials of Shia opposition figures unfair and appealed to the nation’s Sunni rulers to overturn the sentences. “This is not an environment for a political solution, when people are suffering,” the cleric said during the Friday sermon in DirazDiraz
Diraz is a village on the north west coast of Bahrain. It lies to the east of Budaiya, west of Bar-bar and north of Bani Jamra. It is a predominantly Shia village....
, an opposition stronghold northwest of the capital, Manama. “These sentences and abuses are like a dam preventing people from participating in dialogue.”
Bahrain National dialogue
On 31 May, the king of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, called for a national dialogue to resolve ongoing tensions. However the seriousness and effectiveness of the dialogue has been disputed by many opposition figures - it has even been referred to disparagingly as a "chitchat room".On July 1, in the speech preceding Friday Sermon in Diraz
Diraz
Diraz is a village on the north west coast of Bahrain. It lies to the east of Budaiya, west of Bar-bar and north of Bani Jamra. It is a predominantly Shia village....
, Qassim termed the concessions acceptable as initial steps towards wider reform. “These are good steps in the right direction,” he said. However, Qassim warned against marginalizing Shias during the talks and called on the Sunni rulers to strive for “real reform” by talking to all opposition leaders, including those serving life sentences for their role in the protests.
Death of Ali Jawad
Ali Jawad al-SheikhDeath of Ali Jawad al-Sheikh
Ali Jawad al-Sheikh was a 14-year-old Bahraini who died in hospital on 31 August 2011 after reportedly being hit in the head by a tear gas canister shot by Bahraini security forces during the 2011 Bahraini uprising. The Bahraini government denied security force involvement in his death and offered...
was a 14-year-old Bahraini teenager who died in hospital on 31 August, 2011 after reportedly being hit in the head by a tear gas canister shot by Bahraini security forces during the 2011 Bahraini uprising
2011 Bahraini uprising
The 2011 Bahraini uprising, sometimes called the February 14 Revolution is a series of demonstrations, amounting to a sustained campaign of civil resistance, in the Persian Gulf country of Bahrain...
. The Bahraini government denied security force involvement in his death and offered a reward for information on the incident. Activists, however, began a series of large protests after his funeral.
Isa Qassim has blamed security forces for the death of Ali Jawad, saying, "the killing of a 14-year-old boy by security forces during an anti-government demonstration Wednesday shows that the island nation’s Sunni rulers are not listening to people’s demands for greater rights."
See also
- Abdul Amir al-JamriAbdul Amir al-JamriSheikh Abdul Amir al-Jamri was the 'spiritual leader' of Bahrain's Twelver Shi'a population and the 1990s Intifada. He is the father of Mansoor Al-Jamri, editor-in-chief of the Al Wasat daily newspaper.- Biography :...
- Al Wefaq National Islamic SocietyAl WefaqAl Wefaq National Islamic Society , also known as the Islamic National Accord Association, is a Bahraini political society, and the largest party in the Bahrain, both in terms of its membership and its results at the polls...
- Politics of BahrainPolitics of BahrainPolitics of Bahrain takes place in a framework of a constitutional monarchy, with an executive appointed by the King of Bahrain, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and a bi-cameral legislature, with the Chamber of Deputies elected by universal suffrage, and the Shura Council appointed directly by the king...
- 1990s uprising in Bahrain1990s Uprising in BahrainThe 1990s Uprising in Bahrain or 1990s Intifada was an uprising in Bahrain between 1994 and 2000 in which leftists, liberals and Islamists joined forces...
- 2011 Bahraini uprising2011 Bahraini uprisingThe 2011 Bahraini uprising, sometimes called the February 14 Revolution is a series of demonstrations, amounting to a sustained campaign of civil resistance, in the Persian Gulf country of Bahrain...