What do you know about the military leader and politician, Mr. Muqtada al-Sadr? Yes? Let’s dive through Muqtada al-Sadr biography and learn everything about him.
He was born in 1974 in the Najaf area of Iraq.
Family
Muqtada al-Sadr was the son of Ayatollah Muhammad Sadiq al-Sadr (one of the important religious personalities in Islamic society). His father was a cleric.
Ismail al-Sadr was his great-grandfather. He was murdered in 1999 with his two brothers.
His father-in-law’s name is Ayatollah Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr.
One of his cousins’ names is Musa al-Sadr, the founder of the Amal Movement.
Education of Mr. Muqtada al-Sadr
After middle school, he enrolled in the Shi hawzah ( a religious seminary). But he never finished his studies.
Major actions of Muqtada al-Sadr biography as a leader
Now, let’s come to the Muqtada al-Sadr biography – his actions
He gained popularity in Iraq after the fall of Saddam’s government in 2003. He wished to create an Islamic democracy.
He had the strong support of the citizens, mainly in Sadr city. In 2003, he assembled many of his followers into a political movement. This movement also included a Military wing which is known as Jaysh al-Mahdi or Mahdi Army. With time this group became involved in violent disputes with the U.S. and other forces.
The Sadrist movement formed-
- Own religious courts, social services, prisons, and laws.
All these things were under the control of the Sadrist movement.
Western media often called him an “anti-American” or “radical cleric” because he was against the U.S. and other coalition forces.
As I told you, he was a politician, so now let’s know who supported him. The strongest supporters of Muqtada al-Sidr were from the dispossessed class of Shias. Many Iraqi citizens contemplate him as a symbol of resistance. Opposition to foreign occupation.
In 2014, he announced the closure of all offices, centers, and associations affiliated with his father. After ISIL’s defeat, he often called for paramilitary groups to be dissolved.
Muqtada al-Sadr visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
Many people were surprised when he visited the prince of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. These visits surprised everyone because, in 11 years, he visited the prince for the first time. Many also criticized this love.
In 2017, he distinguished himself from Iraqi Shitte leaders.
His efforts to strengthen the ties between Saudi Arabia and Iraq were the same as those of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.
Orders of Assassination suspected
He was also suspected of commanding various assassinations of Shitte clergy. The main incidences where he was suspected are-
- The bombing of Grand Ayatollah Muhammed Saeed al-Hakinnhouse.
- Abdul-Majid al-khoei’s murder at a Mosque.
- Attack on Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.
Muqtada al-Sadr biography as a patron of the Shi’i population.
When the United States-led forces fell the Saddam government, he started opening offices in various Iraq areas. By the end of 2003, Sadr organized a political movement popularly known as the Sadrist movement. In this movement, he attracted millions of his Shia followers. Youths, the poor, and the downtrodden were the main followers of the movement. The people whom Sadr has provided social, educational, and health services also participated in the movement.
At that time, he established the court system based on Islamic law. The security over the areas he controlled was tight.
He concentrated more on the removal of United States forces from Iraq.
His army was also engaged in direct conflicts with the coalition forces in 2004. He was also accused of contributing to the civil war in Iraq.
His career in politics
He was considered a Hero of Shia Muslims because he opposed the Sunni rebels. In 2005, elections were held in which many members of his movement stood with Shia parties. The United Iraqi alliance won that election with 128 seats out of 275 in the parliament. Out of these, 32 seats went to the Sadrist movement members.
He supported Nouri al-Maliki of the Dawah party at the time of government formation. But in 2007, six ministers (Sadrist) withdrew from Nouri al-Maliki’s cabinet.
2007’s time of Muqtada al-Sadr biography
Due to pressure from the Iraqi forces and the United States military, Sadr moved to Iran. Here, he became a part of the theological seminary in a Qom. But even then, he directed his followers’ actions in Iraq.
In August, he made a tactical move – he ordered the Mahdi army to suspend all activities for six months. During this time, he thought of reorganizing this army to restore credibility. This suspension was extended for six more months. In March 2008, the Iraqi government ordered a military operation against his army.
2010’s time of Sadr
He called on all Iraqi citizens to participate in the parliamentary election. He also called the citizens to vote for those who could expel the U.S. troops from Iraq.
With this, he warned the United not to interfere in the elections. He consistently opposed the presence of foreign forces.
2011’s time of Muqtada al-Sadr biography
In January, he returned to Iraq to participate more actively in elections. On 8th January, his followers gathered in Najaf to hear his speech.
In that speech, he called the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom the enemies of Iraq.
By late 2011, the United States had withdrawn its forces from Iraq. After this, Sadr became a more popular leader. He occupied the largest bloc of parliament.
Conclusion
Muqtada al-Sadr is an excellent personality in Iraq. And after the withdrawal of U.S. forces, he became more influential. I’ve mentioned the Muqtada al-Sadr biography in detail; I hope you’ve liked it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who was the leader of the Mahdi army?
Mahdi army is a Shitte militia led by Muqtada al-Sadr.
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Who was the Sadr city of Iraq named after?
Sadr city was named after Ayatollah Mohammad Sadeq al-Sadr.
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What is the meaning of Mahdi?
It means a messianic deliverer.