Islamic

Islamic Occult Orders & Secret Societies

Introduction and Historical Background

The concept of secret societies in the Islamic world is often shrouded in mystery and controversy. These organizations have a rich history dating back to early Islamic times, with some claiming ties to the mystical Sufi orders and others linking them to more sinister occult practices. One of the earliest known secret societies was the Hashishin, active during the 11th and 12th centuries in Persia and Syria. They were notorious for their cult-like practices and the assassination of high-ranking enemy officials.

The History of Secret Orders

#### The Hashishin (Nizaris)

The Hashishin emerged around 1090 CE under the leadership of Hassan-i Sabbah, who built a fortress at Alamut in Persia. Members were indoctrinated through a rigorous initiation process and lived in isolated communities dedicated to their mission. One of the most infamous assassinations was that of the Fatimid caliph Al-Hashishin al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah in 1092 CE, leading to widespread speculation about their methods and motives.

#### The Qarmatians

Another notable secret society was the Qarmatian sect, which operated in the late 10th century. They gained notoriety for the desecration of the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb at Medina in 932 CE, an act that fueled anti-Shiite sentiment across the Islamic world.

Key Events and Sightings

#### The Assassination Plots Against Crusaders

During the Crusades, various secret societies were accused of orchestrating assassination plots against Christian leaders. For instance, in 1124 CE, a group suspected of being part of the Hashishin plotted to assassinate Baldwin III of Jerusalem during his visit to Damascus.

#### The Nusayris (Alawites) and Assassination Attempts

The Nusayri sect, also known as Alawites, has been linked to several high-profile assassination attempts throughout history. In 1973, a Syrian general named Muhammad al-Sharif was assassinated by a group suspected of being part of the Muslim Brotherhood’s military wing.

Witness Accounts and Evidence

#### Eyewitness Accounts from Crusader Accounts

During the First Crusade, chronicler Fulcher of Chartres described how the Assassins (Hashishin) used deadly poisons during their attacks. He wrote, “They are trained to kill for them, they have no fear of death.”

#### Contemporary Accounts and Official Reports

Modern reports suggest that some secret societies continue to operate under various guises. In 2017, a video surfaced on social media showing what appeared to be a Nusayri training camp in Syria, raising questions about their ongoing activities.

Investigations and Research

#### The Role of Intelligence Agencies

Intelligence agencies have long been interested in the activities of secret societies within Islamic countries. Reports suggest that both the CIA and MI6 have monitored these groups for decades, tracking their movements and potential threats to regional stability.

#### Academic Studies

Academics such as Robert L. Brown and Michael Bonner have written extensively on the history and modern manifestations of these secret societies. Their works provide valuable insights into the social and political contexts in which these organizations operate.

Current Status and Ongoing Mystery

Despite numerous investigations, many aspects of Islamic secret societies remain shrouded in mystery. Modern groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and Hizb ut-Tahrir are often considered radical offshoots of older secret orders, but their exact affiliations and goals remain unclear to outsiders.

#### Recent Developments

In recent years, there have been claims that some secret societies have transformed into cyberterrorist organizations. Reports suggest that these groups are using the internet to recruit members and plan operations, making them harder to track than their traditional counterparts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there any confirmed instances of modern Islamic secret societies?

A: While direct evidence is scarce, there have been numerous reports and speculations about the existence of such groups. Groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and Hizb ut-Tahrir are often discussed in this context due to their secretive nature and controversial activities.

Q: What evidence supports the claims that some secret societies use cyberterrorist tactics?

A: Reports from intelligence agencies suggest that modern secret societies have adopted online platforms for recruitment, propaganda, and planning operations. However, specific instances of cyberattacks attributed directly to these groups are rare and often disputed.

Q: How do Islamic secret societies differ from Sufi orders?

A: While both involve spiritual practices, the key difference lies in their goals and methods. Sufi orders focus on personal spiritual growth and community service, whereas secret societies often have more political or ideological objectives.

Q: Are there any historical accounts that directly link modern groups to ancient secret societies?

A: There is little direct evidence linking modern Islamic secret societies to ancient ones like the Hashishin. However, some academics argue that certain practices and ideologies of these groups share similarities with historical secret orders.

Q: What are the potential implications if such secret societies exist and operate effectively?

A: The existence of effective secret societies could have significant geopolitical implications. They might influence local politics, spread radical ideologies, or even engage in sabotage and assassination attempts, destabilizing regions where they operate.