FEATURE-Iraq Sunnis, Shi'ites unite to mortify the flesh

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L24375807.htm

SULAIMANIYA, Iraq, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Ahmed Jassem, a Shi'ite from Iraq's holy city of Kerbala, sticks knives into the bodies of his mostly Sunni followers. They say they feel no pain, standing silently as the blades pierce their skin.

While sectarian strife threatens to tear Iraq apart, mystical Sufi orders like the Kasnazani still manage to bring Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims, as well as Arabs and Kurds, together.

Sunni insurgents are fighting a relentless battle against the Shi'ite-led government which came to power after the U.S. invasion of 2003, but within the confines of Sufi gatherings the Islamic sects mutilate each other to get close to God.

"God said the most blessed among you is the most pious, being close to God has nothing to do with your background," said Jassem at a weekly meeting of the Kasnazani order in Sulaimaniya in northern Iraq.

"The Kasnazani order makes no difference between Sunni and Shi'ite, Arab and Kurd, or Iranian," said the man whose job is to mortify the flesh of other Muslims.

[Kagemusha]

1. ...And that's why extremists are going to be targeting this.

Guess they should enjoy it while it lasts.