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Al-Ahbash ( / / ), also known as the Association of Islamic Charitable Projects ( / )[1] is a Sufi religious movement which was founded in the mid 1980s.[2] The group follow the teachings of Ethiopian scholar Abdullah al-Harari.[2]
History The Association of Islamic Charitable Projects was founded in the 1930s by Ahmad al-Ajuz,[3] According to Gary Gambill the AICP arrived in the Lebanon in the 1950's were he says "they blended Sunni and Shi'a theology with Sufi spiritualism into a doctrinal eclecticism that preached nonviolence and political quietism".[4] The AICP remained without a leader until the 1980s when Abdullah al-Harari became the nominal head of the organization.[5] and was taken over by Al-Ahbash in 1983.[6] Al-Ahbash was founded in the suburb of Bourj Abu Haidar in Beirut and from there spread throughout the Lebanon to Tripoli, Akkar and Iqlim Al-Kharrub where they founded educational and religious institutions.[7] Beginning in the 90's Ahbash propelled from a minority group to the largest Sunni movement in Lebanon mainly due to Syrian government backing.[8] In 1995 members of a salafi jihadi group called "Osbat al-Ansar" killed the leader of Al-Ahbash, Sheikh Nizar Halabi.[6][9] Religious beliefs Al-Ahbash beliefs are an interpretation of Islam combining elements of Sunni Islam and Sufism. Their religious ideology is very much in line with the traditional Sunni doctrines, although the groups sometimes unrestrained use of takfir has brought them under discension by the wider Islamic community. Al-Ahbash follows the Shafi school and Ash'ari theology, their sufi aspect is derived from the Rifa'i brotherhood.[8] The group rejects Islamist figures such as Ibn Taymiyyah, Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and Sayyid Qutb. It advocates Islamic pluralism, and opposition to political activism (its slogan is "the resounding voice of moderation").[6] It also promotes its beliefs internationally through a major internet presence and regional offices, notably in the United States.[10] Controversy The group are seen as being controversial within Islam for its anti-Salafi religious stance as their Sufi and other beliefs are seen as heretical,[6][10][11] They have been described as a Sect by various commentators,[8][12][13][11] while others see them as a valid religious movement.[3][5] During the 1990's fighting broke out between the Muslim Brotherhood and Al-Ahbash in what became known as the "war of the mosques". The fighting was started due to the brotherhood believing that Jordan's Ministry of Religious Endowments were giving precedence to Al-Ahbash members being allowed to teach in mosques from which they themselves were banned.[14] In 2010 Ahbash and Hezbollah members were involved in a street battle which was perceived to be over parking issues, both groups later met to form a joint compensation fund for the victims of the conflict.[15] In 2011 the Australian National Imams Council requested that the Muslim Community Radio Incorporated not have it's licence renewed due to ties with Al-Ahbash.[16] In 2012 The Ethiopian Government was accused of promoting Al Ahbash in the country by protestors in the capital.[17] References See also External links ar: ( ) de:Al-Habasch fr:Association des projets de bienfaisance islamiques
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