AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Dr. Sayed Ali Mousavi-Nejad, a professor at the University of Religions and Denominations, speaking at the international conference “The Yemeni Resistance and International Security: A Look at the Current Regional Situation,” held at the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, emphasized the roots of resistance in Yemen. “Naming Yemen as the land of resistance has reasons. Resistance is not merely governmental and cannot be enough. The main pillar of resistance is the people, a factor that was lacking in Syria. In Yemen, however, resistance is deeply rooted in history and among its people,” he stated.
He further explained, “The origins of Bashar and his Father Hafiz Assad lie in the Alawite sect. Yet the Syrian Ba’ath Party was essentially a secular, anti-religious organization. Our relationship with the Syrian government has always been a political one, and attributing the Syrian government to a particular sect is inaccurate. Over the past four decades, we have many reasons for our cooperation with the Syrian government. But this cooperation lacked a crucial element: the support of the people. In fact, Arab nationalism as a concept has been tested in the past decades, and governments based on this ideology have not been successful.”
On the Iran-Yemen relations, the university professor remarked, “The relationship between Iran and Yemen has historically been a deeply affectionate one. If we refer to Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, Iranian kings often sought brides from Yemen for their sons. In Persian literature, Yemen is known for its connection to beauty, Agate, and Owais al-Qarani. Therefore, discussing issues relating to Yemen is always interesting.”
Pointing out Yemen’s geography, Mousavi-Nejad stated, “Yemen is a country with steadfast mountains and a moderate climate, a land of blessings and abundance. Many Yemenis were among the companions of the Prophet (p.b.u.h), and Yemeni individuals even played a role in the early Islamic presence in the city of Qom.”
On Yemen’s strategic geopolitical position, he said, “Yemen’s strategic position, with its closeness to the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, further highlights its importance. The Yemeni people possess unique characteristics that greatly contribute to their resistance. Yemenis are known for their loyalty and sincerity, traits that have endured since the time they embraced Islam. Yemenis celebrate the first Friday of the month of Rajab as the day they converted to Islam through Imam Ali (a.s.). From that time to the present, they have remained loyal to Imam Ali (a.s.), with many of Imam Ali’s (a.s.) devoted companions being of Yemeni descent.”
Highlighting the simplicity and detachment from materialism among the Yemeni people, the professor stated, “Through two decades of research, I observed their purity and lack of attachment to worldly possessions. These qualities have made them naturally inclined toward resistance. The Yemeni people receptive to justice.”
“The Arab lineage originates from Yemen, with Arab tribes spreading from Yemen to other regions. This heritage instills a sense of pride and dignity in Yemenis, enabling them to stand firm against oppressors. The tribal structure of Yemeni society plays a critical role in understanding its people. This tribal framework is a significant advantage that the Ansarullah movement and the resistance have utilized effectively. However, this tribal structure can also pose challenges,” he noted.
Mousavi-Nejad referred to the Shiite tendencies in Yemen, stating, “The form of Islam accepted in Yemen is the one closest to pure Islam. The Yemeni people’s opposition to injustice led them to embrace the Zaydi school of thought. Throughout history, prominent Zaydi figures with charismatic leadership, Ijtihad, and ties to the AhlulBayt (a.s.) have gone to Yemen. The Zaydi movement has primarily centered around the city of Sa’dah in northern Yemen, and no significant conflict between the Zaydis and Twelver Shia has been observed in Yemen.”
“The Shiite interpretation, including the Zaydi perspective, has greatly influenced the resistance in Yemen. The contributions of Martyr Hussain al-Houthi, who brought clarity and introduced innovative ideas, should also be acknowledged. Historically, Zaydi imams were not always successful in contemporary Yemen. Republican forces in Yemen misunderstood the role of the Zaydi sayyids, sidelining them and causing dissatisfaction among the people. However, Martyr Hussein al-Houthi redefined the position of the sayyids, emphasizing that they are devoted servants of the Yemeni people,” he elaborated.
“One of the significant errors is attributing all regional developments to ourselves. While the Islamic Revolution of Iran and the movement of Imam Khomeini (r.a.) have influenced Yemen, resistance in Yemen is fundamentally rooted in its history and culture. The Islamic Revolution of Iran cleared ambiguities and revitalized resistance movements,” the professor said.
On the ongoing developments in Syria and its relations with Yemen, he said, “The event in Syria will not be repeated in Yemen, as the Ansarullah movement in Yemen enjoys strong popular support, making it incomparable to the Syrian Ba’ath Party.”
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