Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of History, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2
Ph.D student in Islamic History, Department of History, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction & purpose:The Kasnazaniyyah Order, one of the most active Sufi movements in contemporary Iraq, has played a pivotal role in the country's political and social spheres. With its Kurdish and Sunni roots, the order has established significant influence across various regions of Iraq, including Shia-majority and Arab-populated areas, emerging as a key political actor in both domestic and foreign affairs. This study employs Frederic Mayer's Theory of Narrative and Collective Action to examine how the Qadiriyya-Kasnazaniyyah Order utilizes narrative tools to construct a distinct political identity in Iraq and engage in political activism on both domestic and international spheres.
In the modern era, Sufism has actively engaged in political dynamics, particularly in Arab countries, as a means of confronting various challenges and asserting its legitimacy in the face of Political Islam movements. Following independence from colonial rule, Arab regimes, recognizing the spiritual and cultural influence of Sufism, strategically incorporated Sufi currents into their ideological frameworks to bolster their own legitimacy.
In this context, Sufism has functioned not merely as a spiritual system but also as an instrument of political maneuvering and cultural resistance. After the Arab Spring, Sufism emerged as a countervailing force against the tide of Political Islam and was utilized to mitigate the perceived threats posed by Islamist movements. Under these circumstances, Sufi narratives were employed as tools to shape new socio-cultural movements and alter political equilibria.
Method: The present study attempts to employ Frederic Mayer's theory, as outlined in his book “Narrative Politics: Stories and Collective Action” to survey how the Kasnazaniyyah Order in Iraq uses religious and historical narratives to construct a unique political narrative that successfully persuades its followers to engage in political and social engagement.
Findings: Relying on a discursive confrontation with jihadist Islamists, the Kasnazaniyyah Order seeks to construct an effective narrative of Sufi tradition, envisioning a desirable future for Iraq while actively engaging in multiple arenas, particularly domestic and foreign policy. Through its presence in formal institutions such as the Iraqi parliament and government, as well as its mediation in political crises, the Order has played a relatively influential role in Iraqi politics. By employing religious and historical narratives, the Kasnazaniyyah Order shapes its collective identity in alignment with the Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet’s household) and prominent Sufi figures such as Abdul-Qadir Gilani. These narratives not only reinforce the collective identity of its followers but also encourage them toward political and social action. Drawing on Frederick Mayer’s theory of ‘Narrative and Collective Action’, such narratives serve as powerful tools for mobilizing forces and influencing the political landscape.
The Kasnazaniyyah Order stands in sharp opposition to Takfiri and Jihadist movements, such as ISIS, which it perceives as a threat to Iraq’s national unity and Islamic identity. Sheikh Nahro al-Kasnazani, the current leader of the Order, has consistently emphasized the need to educate Iraqi youth against Takfiri ideologies, framing the Order’s mission as the revival of humanistic principles and national unity in Iraq.
Adopting a trans-ethnic and trans-sectarian approach, the Kasnazaniyyah Order strives to foster unity among Iraq’s diverse ethnic and religious communities. By advocating peaceful coexistence and respect for religious diversity, the Order positions itself as a unifying force in Iraq. Under the slogan "Sulaymaniyah: The Capital of Global Sufism," Sheikh Nahro has pursued initiatives to expand Sufism’s influence and promote the Order’s growth worldwide—though he faces strong opposition from rival factions contesting his leadership over the broader Sufi movement.
The Kasnazaniyyah Order utilizes various media tools, including newspapers and satellite networks, to propagate its views and doctrines. Recently, it has also maintained an active presence in digital spaces, particularly on platforms such as YouTube. Additionally, the order oversees educational and research institutions, such as “Kasnazan University College” and “The Global Center for Sufism and Spiritual Studies”, which bolster its intellectual and cultural foundations.
Discussion and Conclusion: In conclusion, the Kasnazaniyyah Order, one of the prominent Sufi Orders in the Islamic world, has successfully reinforced its collective identity through religious and historical narratives while mobilizing its followers toward political and social engagement. Through its discursive resistance against Jihadist Islamists, pursuit of national unity, and institution-building efforts in education and media, the Order has played a significant role in shaping Iraq’s domestic and foreign policies. The experience of the Kasnazaniyyah Order demonstrates that Sufism, as a spiritual and cultural movement, can serve as a unifying and resilient force in times of crisis, countering both internal and external threats.
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