The sect is reported to believe in human sacrifice as a means of expressing devotion to Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib. [Getty]
Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has called on Iran to extradite members of the controversial “Qurban” (Sacrifice) sect who fled Iraq amid a government crackdown, accusing Tehran of supporting the “deviant” group.
The Qurban sect, also known as the “Alla’hiya,” has sparked concern in Iraq, particularly in the southern cities of Dhi Qar, Muthanna, Najaf, Babil, and Basra due to its extreme religious beliefs that promote suicide as a means to hastening the arrival of Imam Mahdi, a revered figure in Islam.
In a statement posted online, al-Sadr described the sect as “deviant” and a product of “cultural and ideological decline.”Â
He accused Iran of backing the group, stating that its leaders were “exploiting young followers for personal gain” and condemned their doctrine as “a distortion of religious teachings.”
“The greatest catastrophe is their manipulation of young minds, encouraging them to commit forbidden suicide,” al-Sadr stated. “This will not bring them closer to the truth; rather, it is an act of ignorance and disobedience to God and His messenger.”
He urged Iraqis to reject the sect, avoid engaging with its members, and report them to authorities. Furthermore, he called on Iran to extradite fugitive members “as soon as possible” so they could face legal consequences in Iraq.
Iran has yet to officially respond to al-Sadr’s accusations.Â
Linking the sect to rising suicide cases
In recent months, authorities have linked the sect to a series of suicides, often carried out in ritualistic settings. Reports indicate that members have taken their own lives inside homes and mosques used as sectarian centres, intensifying social and security concerns in Iraq‘s southern provinces.
Iraqi security forces have detained more than 200 individuals connected to the group, though some members have reportedly fled, with speculation that several leaders have sought refuge in Iran.
The sect is reported to believe in human sacrifice as a means of expressing devotion to Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the fourth Caliph of Prophet Mohammed. Such beliefs contradict both Shia and Sunni teachings, which emphasise the worship of God alone.
The Iraqi government has intensified its crackdown on the sect, citing security concerns. The movement is reportedly spreading in impoverished and under-educated areas, where extremist ideologies often take root.
Authorities have also noted a troubling shift, with an increasing number of young women participating in the sect’s rituals. Previously, the group’s suicide cases were largely confined to men aged 17 to 30, but recent reports suggest that female members have also begun engaging in these acts.
The sect appears to have an organized structure, with an active presence on social media, and security forces estimate that thousands of followers are currently based in southern Iraq.
Last month, a criminal court in Wasit province issued prison sentences against individuals linked to the sect for inciting suicide under Article 408 of Iraq‘s penal code. Local authorities have also confirmed that dozens of detainees in provincial prisons are affiliated with the movement.
With growing concerns over the group’s influence and possible foreign links, Iraqi authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle the sect and prevent its ideology from spreading further.
‘The Hidden Imam’ in Islamic mythology
According to Islamic belief, Imam Mahdi is believed to be a descendant of Prophet Mohammed and is prophesied to emerge before the Day of Judgment to restore justice and unity among Muslims.
Shia Muslims believe that the 12th Imam, known as the “Hidden Imam,” disappeared from a cellar in the Iraqi city of Samarra and will return in the future. Sunni scholars, however, view Imam Mahdi as a future leader who will emerge near the Day of Judgment.
Islamic prophecy states that after Imam Mahdi’s arrival, Jesus will descend and pray behind him, later confronting and defeating the Antichrist, a figure associated with deception and global turmoil before the final resurrection.
