Being a paper presented at A Specialized Meeting: Religious Sociology of Resistance and the Suleiman School of Thought Organized by The ...
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Being a paper presented at A Specialized Meeting: Religious Sociology of Resistance and the Suleiman School of Thought Organized by The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nigeria on the 5th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Qasem Soleimani
3rd January, 2025
Introduction
Qasem Soleimani was born in 1957 in Rabor, Kerman
Province of Iran. Soleimani joined the IRGC shortly after the 1979 Iranian
Revolution and distinguished himself during the Iran-Iraq War between1980
and1988. He raised to prominence as a
senior officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), ultimately
leading its Quds Force, an elite unit specializing in unconventional warfare
and intelligence operations. Over the years, he became instrumental in
expanding Iran's strategic influence, forging alliances with groups such as
Hezbollah in Lebanon, resistance groups in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. On January 3,
2020, Soleimani was killed in a cowardly U.S. drone strike near Baghdad
International Airport, ordered by then-President Donald Trump. His death has
since turned new pages to Islamic resistance by invigorating hope and zeal in the
minds of many Muslims particularly those on the resistance line of thought.
Similarly, his assassination has significantly escalated tensions between America
(the major founder of terrorism) and Iran the (leader of resistance against
global arrogance and domination), with widespread repercussions in global
geopolitics.
A key architect of
Iran's foreign military engagements, Soleimani was deeply involved in
supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian Civil War and
organizing militias to combat ISIS in Iraq. His strategies were widely lauded
and he was celebrated as a hero in Iran and among allied groups, while
adversaries, including the United States and Israel, viewed him as a threat in
the region and their Zionists interests.
Qasem Soleimani was a highly
influential figure in the Islamic world, particularly in the context of Islamic
resistance. Some outstanding qualities that made Qasem Soleimani a role model
for Islamic resistance include:
1. His Role in
the Concept of Resistance
The concept of "Islamic
Resistance"` refers to the struggle against oppression, occupation, and
injustice as mandated by Islamic teachings. Soleimani embodied this ideal in
multiple ways:
a)
Protection of Oppressed Communities: Soleimani’s efforts were framed as defending
oppressed Muslim populations in Iraq, Syria, and other regions. His leadership
in combating ISIS and other militant threats was portrayed as a direct response
to protect the lives, culture, and dignity of Muslims.
b)
Promotion of Sovereignty: Soleimani advocated for the
independence of Islamic nations from Western interference, a stance that is
deeply rooted in Islamic political philosophy. His resistance to foreign
powers, particularly the U.S. and Israel, was viewed as an extension of the Islamic
call to resist tyranny.
2. Achievements in the Resistance
Front
i) Combating ISIS (Daesh):
One of Soleimani's most notable achievements was his leadership in the
fight against ISIS. He played a crucial role in organizing the Popular
Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq and coordinating military campaigns in both
Iraq and Syria. These led to:
a)
Liberation of Key Territories: Soleimani’s strategy helped reclaim
cities like Tikrit, Fallujah, and Mosul from ISIS, marking significant
victories for Islamic resistance against extremist threats.
b)
Protection of Religious and Cultural Sites: Under his leadership, major Shi'a
shrines in Iraq and Syria were defended, preventing their destruction by
extremist groups, which resonated deeply with Muslims worldwide.
ii)
Building Alliances across the Islamic World:
Soleimani’s vision extended beyond military operations, he was
instrumental in fostering unity among various resistance movements across the
Islamic world, transcending national borders. Some of these achievements include:
a)
Strengthening Hezbollah: Soleimani provided logistical,
financial, and strategic support to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hezbollah’s
resistance against Israeli aggression, particularly in the 2006 Lebanon War, is
seen as one of Soleimani’s indirect successes.
b)
Connecting Sunni and Shia Movements: Despite being a Shia Muslim, Soleimani
was respected across sectarian lines for his dedication to the broader cause of
Islamic liberation. He supported Sunni resistance groups in Palestine, like
Hamas and Islamic Jihad, underscoring his commitment to unity in the face of
common adversaries.
3.
Quds Force Leadership:
As the commander of the Quds Force (the external operations arm of Iran’s
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps), Soleimani focused on strengthening the
Islamic world’s resistance capabilities through:
a)
Training and Equipping Resistance Forces: He helped establish and train
paramilitary groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, empowering them to resist
foreign intervention.
b)
Strategic Mastermind: His ability to operate within
complex geopolitical landscapes earned him a reputation as a brilliant
strategist. His networks and influence extended across the Middle East, earning
him admiration even from adversaries.
4. Symbolism of Defiance
Soleimani’s life symbolized defiance against perceived oppression:
a)
A Face of Anti-Imperialism: He openly resisted U.S. and Israeli
policies in the region, portraying his struggle as part of a larger Islamic
duty to oppose domination and occupation.
b)
Resistance through Action: His physical presence on
battlefields and his hands-on approach to leadership solidified his image as a
servant-leader who lived and fought alongside his men.
c)
Martyrdom and Legacy: Following his cowardly assassination
by a U.S. drone strike, Soleimani became a symbol of resistance and martyrdom.
His funeral drew millions, and his death is commemorated annually, further
cementing his legacy as a role model.
5. Religious and Ideological
Foundations
His actions and philosophy were deeply rooted in Islamic principles:
a)
Defense of the Ummah (Muslim Community): He saw his role as a guardian of the
global Muslim community, emphasizing the Islamic call to stand against
injustice.
b)
Martyrdom as the Ultimate Sacrifice: Soleimani’s life and death reflected
the Islamic concept of martyrdom, inspired by Imam Hussein's sacrifice at
Karbala. His willingness to face death for the cause of justice inspired many.
c)
Promotion of Islamic Unity: While his support came predominantly
from Shia groups, Suleiman often called for Sunni-Shia solidarity in the face
of common enemies.
The martyrdom of Qasem Soleimani has left a profound impact on the Muslim
Ummah. His death has not diminished the spirit of Islamic resistance; rather,
it has inspired future generations to continue his mission. Prominent leaders
of Islamic resistance, such as Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, Sayyed Hassan
Nasrallah, and Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, have emphasized the enduring
significance of his legacy:
Sayyid Ali Khamenei In a statement issued shortly after Soleimani's
death, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to him as a "martyr" and
emphasized his pivotal role in the Islamic resistance. He stated, Soleimani’s
departure to God does not end his path or his mission, but a forceful revenge
awaits the criminals who have his blood and the blood of his comrades on their
hands. Similarly, he was reported to say “The martyrdom of Soleimani is bitter
for us, but the continuation of his path and the achievement of final victory
will be sweet.”
Sayyid Hassan Nasrullah referred to Soleimani as an "international
martyr," underscoring his significant role beyond Iran. He stated that
individuals like Soleimani are essential to address regional challenges,
indicating the general's influence in shaping resistance movements across the
Middle East.
Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky in his message on the occasion of the
third anniversary of General Soleimani's martyrdom emphasized that the
assassination of Suleiman
aimed at dominating the Middle East not only failed but also created more
individuals like Soleimani and boosted the morale of activists. He extended his
condolences to the Supreme Leader, the people of Iran, and Iraq, and
highlighted that the martyrdom of Soleimani and al-Muhandis has only succeeded
in boosting the morale of activists and making their legacy alive. Sheikh
Zakzaky's statements and the commemorative events organized by the Islamic
Movement in Nigeria underscore the profound impact General Soleimani's
martyrdom has had on resistance movements globally, inspiring continued
dedication to the principles he stood for.
Conclusion
Qasem Soleimani stands as an enduring symbol of Islamic resistance,
embodying the principles of courage, sacrifice, and unyielding commitment to
justice. His life which has been marked by extraordinary leadership, humble
simplicity, strategic acumen, and deep devotion to defending oppressed
communities will forever offer a timeless example for those who aspire to
challenge tyranny and fight for the dignity of humanity and their people.
Soleimani's martyrdom has only magnified his legacy, inspiring countless individuals and movements to take up the cause of resistance with renewed vigor. Through his actions and sacrifice, Soleimani has carved a place in history as a paragon of defiance and unity in the face of oppression, ensuring that the spirit of resistance he championed will resonate for generations to come.
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