Dark Secrets and Grim Fates: Inside an Iraqi Cult’s Practices

A deadly cult in Iraq lures young people with promises of eternal bliss through a chilling lottery-based ritual suicide system.

At a Glance

The Allahiyah movement, also known as the Qurban group, emerged in Iraq in early 2020
The cult practices lottery-based ritual suicide as a form of sacrifice
Around 2,500 followers, mostly young Iraqis feeling hopeless and lacking purpose
Iraqi authorities have cracked down on the group, making multiple arrests

A Deadly Cult Emerges in Iraq’s Unstable Landscape

In the aftermath of Saddam Hussein’s overthrow in 2003, Iraq has grappled with instability, war, corruption, and economic stagnation. These challenges have created a fertile ground for extremist ideologies to take root, particularly among the country’s youth. With approximately 60% of Iraq’s population under 25, a significant number of young people find themselves vulnerable to radical influences.

The Allahiyah movement, also known as the Qurban group, emerged in the provinces of Basra and Dhi Qar in early 2020. This cult, led by Abdul Ali Munim al-Hasani from Mashhad, Iran, has amassed around 2,500 followers. Initially, the group’s activities resembled other Shia Islamic practices, but reports of suicides soon began to surface, revealing a much darker agenda.

The Cult’s Deadly Lottery System

At the core of the Allahiyah movement’s practices is a chilling lottery-based suicide system. Adherents believe that Ali bin Abi Talib, a revered figure in Shia Islam, is a divine being to whom sacrifices must be made. The cult holds lotteries to select members for ritual suicide, portraying it as an honor and a path to eternal bliss.

“We believe that Imam Ali bin Abi Talib, peace be upon him, is God incarnate on Earth, and that sacrifices must be offered to him in order to gain his satisfaction and forgiveness,” a member of the Qurban group told HuffPost Iraq in June.

This radical ideology has led to numerous deaths, with reports of young men associated with Allahiyah being found dead beginning to emerge in 2021. The cult’s activities have alarmed Iraqi society and authorities, prompting a crackdown and multiple arrests. In one disturbing case, security forces apprehended a leader who confessed to killing family members as sacrifices.

The Appeal to Disaffected Youth

The Allahiyah movement’s ability to attract followers, particularly among Iraq’s youth, stems from a complex set of social and economic factors. High youth unemployment rates, coupled with a sense of hopelessness and lack of purpose, have made many young Iraqis susceptible to the cult’s promises of redemption and eternal happiness.

“Some young people, when they feel hopeless and have no work to occupy themselves with or family to follow them, they might join such groups like ‘Al-Qurban'” said Fatima al-Bahadly, head of the Firdaws Society NGO, which tackles issues faced by young people such as radicalisation and addiction, speaking to Middle East Eye.

The phenomenon has drawn comparisons to the Islamic State in terms of its ability to attract followers through promises of redemption. This parallel underscores the urgent need for addressing the root causes of youth despair and radicalization in Iraq.

Government Response and Calls for Action

Iraqi authorities have taken steps to combat the Allahiyah movement, with security forces making multiple arrests of cult members. However, experts and NGOs warn that more comprehensive action is needed to address the underlying issues that make young people vulnerable to such extremist ideologies.

Critics point to government neglect and a lack of strategic plans for youth integration as key factors contributing to the problem. There are growing calls for decisive governmental intervention to create opportunities for young Iraqis and provide them with a sense of purpose and belonging.

As Iraq grapples with this deadly cult and its impact on society, the need for a multifaceted approach to tackle youth disaffection and prevent the spread of extremist ideologies becomes increasingly apparent. The Allahiyah movement serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise when social and economic challenges are left unaddressed, particularly in a nation with such a young and vulnerable population.