Al-Sadr Announces Separation of ‘Saraya al-Salam’ and Its Attachment to the State
The leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, announced yesterday the separation of the ‘Saraya al-Salam’ formation from the National Shia Movement and its official attachment to the Iraqi state, a step that observers considered an important shift in the file of armed factions and the future of the relationship between political forces and security institutions in Iraq.
In a statement published via his official account, al-Sadr said the decision came “out of the public interest of the nation and to avoid the imminent dangers surrounding it,” affirming the complete separation between ‘Saraya al-Salam’ and the National Shia Movement, with the military formation placed under the supervision of the Iraqi state and the competent official authorities.
Civil Transformation and Formation of the ‘Al-Bayan al-Marsus’ Entity
He explained that the civil bodies affiliated with the Saraya will transform into a civil entity named ‘Al-Bayan al-Marsus’, without any headquarters, weapons, or military status, within the framework of separating civil activity from armed work and organizing the relationship between them.
Al-Sadr sent a message of thanks to the members of ‘Saraya al-Salam’, praising what he described as the “greater and lesser jihad,” and also called for tolerance towards those who do not align with the religious, doctrinal, and social orientations of the movement.
Call to Other Factions and Government Welcome
In the most prominent part of the statement, al-Sadr called on the factions of the ‘Popular Mobilization Forces’ to move away from “partisan and sectarian orders,” expressing his hope that all armed factions would hand over their weapons to the state, as ‘Saraya al-Salam’ did, according to his words.
The decision was welcomed by the Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali al-Zeidi, who described the step as a “responsible national position” that strengthens state institutions and supports the principle of monopolizing weapons in the hands of the government.
In an official statement, al-Zeidi affirmed that placing ‘Saraya al-Salam’ under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces represents an important step to enhance internal stability and consolidate the state’s prestige and the rule of law, calling on the remaining armed factions to follow the same approach and work within official frameworks.
He added that the current phase requires prioritizing the supreme national interest and preserving the unity, security, and stability of Iraq, along with strengthening citizens’ confidence in constitutional institutions and building a strong state based on law.
Background and Context of the Development
This development comes at a time when Iraq is witnessing an increasing debate about the future of armed factions and their role within state institutions, especially after years of political tension and struggle for influence within the Shia house.
‘Saraya al-Salam’ is the military wing associated with the Sadrist movement, established in its current form in 2014 following the expansion of the Islamic State in Iraq, while its roots go back to the ‘Mahdi Army’ founded by Muqtada al-Sadr after the American invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Saraya al-Salam
Saraya al-Salam, also known as the Peace Palace, is a historic palace located in Baghdad, Iraq. Originally built in the late 19th century during the Ottoman era, it served as a royal residence and later became a museum showcasing Iraqi heritage and artifacts. The site remains a significant cultural landmark, reflecting the country’s rich history and architectural traditions.
National Shia Movement
<div class="text-gray-800
Saraya al-Salam
Saraya al-Salam, also known as the Peace Palace, is a historic palace located in Baghdad, Iraq, originally built in the early 20th century during the Ottoman era. It later served as the headquarters for the Iraqi monarchy and, after the 1958 revolution, became the site of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense. Today, the palace stands as a significant cultural landmark, reflecting Iraq’s complex political history and architectural heritage.
National Shia Movement
The “National Shia Movement” is not a specific place or cultural site, but rather a political and social movement representing Shia Muslim communities in various countries, often advocating for greater rights and representation. Its history varies by region, with notable examples including movements in Lebanon, Iraq, and Pakistan that emerged in the 20th century amid struggles for political autonomy and religious identity. These movements have sometimes been tied to broader regional conflicts and the influence of clerical leadership.
Al-Bayan al-Marsus
Al-Bayan al-Marsus is a historical Islamic manuscript and commentary on the Qur’an, traditionally attributed to the prominent medieval scholar Ibn al-Jawzi. It is known for its concise and structured explanations of Qur’anic verses, focusing on linguistic, legal, and theological interpretations. Though less widely known than other tafsir works, it remains a valued resource in classical Islamic scholarship.
Popular Mobilization Forces
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), known in Arabic as Al-Hashd al-Shaabi, are a coalition of predominantly Shia Muslim militias in Iraq that were officially formed in June 2014 following a fatwa by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani calling for citizens to defend the country against the Islamic State (ISIS). The PMF played a crucial role in the military campaign that led to the territorial defeat of ISIS in Iraq by 2017. Since then, the PMF has been formally integrated into the Iraqi state security apparatus, though it remains a powerful and sometimes controversial political and military force with close ties to Iran.
Mahdi Army
The Mahdi Army was an Iraqi Shia militia founded by Muqtada al-Sadr in 2003, shortly after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Named after the prophesied Islamic redeemer, the Mahdi, it opposed the American occupation and fought in major conflicts, including the Siege of Najaf and the Battle of Sadr City. The group was officially disbanded in 2008, but its legacy continues through al-Sadr’s political influence and successor organizations.
Iraq
Iraq is a country in the Middle East with a rich history as the cradle of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations, including Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria, where writing, law, and urban life first emerged. Its cultural sites, such as the ruins of Babylon, the ziggurat of Ur, and the city of Baghdad (once a center of the Islamic Golden Age), reflect millennia of human achievement. Despite modern conflicts, Iraq remains home to diverse ethnic and religious groups, preserving a deep cultural heritage that continues to shape its identity.
