The rabble sings elegy
In Iran, those seen as rabble are the Mostazafin – deprived people, who are mostly illiterate, poor and have a strong belief in what the authorities say. Various Basij organisations eagerly put effort in taking these Mostazafin under their wings. They receive money by visiting certain ideological courses, as well as dear favours and bonuses which one cannot hardly neglect in a weak economical situation. In spring of 2010 Basij commander Mohammad Reza Naghdi stated: "From now on, anyone who is participating in programs such as the 'Salehin program', joining in for at least three hours in ideological trainings and working on a Basij basis for at least 12 hours on a monthly basis, is considered to be an ‘active’ Basij member.” The program includes Salehin ideological, military and political series and intends to connect them to the regime and the Pasdaran. To be an 'active' member provides the Basij unit in question with more money.
This is wishful thinking for the future but also a reality within the society of Iran. In a nutshell: who is willing to undergo a brainwashing will be well looked after. Is it the dream of a state that dictates a pre-formed, narrow path ideology that penetrates all domains of life and has under its control the army of its supporters - or should one say slaves?
Part of the Shi'ite culture is the deep and repeated mourning for the martyrdom of Hossein. This mourning culture was politicized in the wake of the revolution, like so many other things. This cult of martyrdom was created to defend the revolution. The traditional mourning songs have been sung for centuries by the so-called precentors or Madâh. The Madâh master the art of stirring up the mass through the power of their songs. During Ashura celebrations, Madâhs are active and bring the pious persons into a state, which could be called ‘pain-free’, while the faithful chastise themselves by self-flagellation and blows with swords on their heads and backs.
Madâhs enjoy fool’s boldness
Those who have the support of Madâhs, can be assured of large entourage. One of the most popular Madâhs is Haj Mansour Arzi. Only recently, he joined the festivities in honour of Hossein of early December in the presence of Khamenei, as precentor. He is a leader of the Basij Salehin movement. The aim of Salehin movement is to form potential martyrs. Like Mesbah Yazdi, also Arzi supported Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the election for president. This affection, however, came to an abrupt end, when Ahmadinejad clearly put himself behind his advisor Rahim Maschaie, who speaking of the so-called Iranian school enraged the Islamist hardliners. Arzi described Mashaie as Ahmadinejad’s genitals and urged Ahmadinejad not to engage with inferior people. The level of such remarks prompted even conservative Iranian newspapers to speak of scum. However, Arzi wasn’t deterred and he even offered a reward to murder Mashaie. Arzi and another Madâh, Said Haddadian, attacked Maschaie with more insults and were summoned to court, where so far they didn’t appear.
These circumstances suggest that Salehin are very close to the so-called "house of the leader" which permits them to be bold.
The attacks of Qom
The use of Salehin Madâhs, especially for the dubious achievements of the revolution, is not a new chapter in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran. During the war of Iraq against Iran, children were sent into minefields, as well as adults who were driven to suicide missions, ending up as martyrs. The effective stirring up by Madâhs run at two levels. Special songs manipulate the minds of the audience and produce a savage determination to act. Finally, certain keywords appeal to a particular morality of the audience and finally missions and instructions are given.
Following the same principle, attacks were carried out at meeting houses of the Nematollahi Gonabadi dervishes since 2006. The biggest clash between Sufi dervishes of this order and Basij was in spring of 2006, when more than 10,000 Basij were assembled to disperse 1,450 dervishes who bravely defended their gathering house. Ultimately the Basij set the meeting house on fire and forced the dervishes to surrender. Before the 10,000 troops were sent, Madâh Shahshahani, who was involved in the chain murders in the late 90s in Kerman, instigated the troops by loudspeakers with his songs mixed with hate speeches against the Dervishes.
More information
1. loaymudhoon.wordpress.com/2009/06/19/machtkampf-im-iran-und-der-schiitische-martyrerkult/
2.http://regimechangeiran.blogspot.com/2006/02/crush-of-dervishes-in-qom.html
3. www.maddahi.com
4. mostazafin.org
Small examples of Madâhs in rather solemn, concert-like events 5.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0Ld4pUV01U&feature=related Mahmood Karimi 6. www.youtube.com/watch Mansour Arzi 7. www.youtube.com/watch examples 8. www.youtube.com/watch - Poshdeh Hizbullah 9. www.youtube.com/watch attends a Madâh's show
