Mehdi Al-Khalissi facts for kids
Sheikh Mahdi Al-Khalissi was an important religious leader in Iraq during the early 1900s. He was known as a top Shia scholar and spiritual guide, called a Marja. He also taught at and led the College of Divinity in Kadhimiya, a city near Baghdad, Iraq.
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A Leader in the 1920 Revolt
In 1920, Sheikh Mahdi Al-Khalissi played a big part in the Iraqi revolt of 1920. This was a time when many Iraqis wanted to be free from British control.
Standing Up to Foreign Rule
In 1922, Sheikh Al-Khalissi issued a special religious opinion, called a fatwa. He told his followers and all Shia Muslims in Iraq not to vote in the upcoming elections. He believed that voting would make the new government, which was set up by foreign powers, seem acceptable. Many Iraqis listened to him and did not vote.
Facing Deportation
Because so many people followed his advice, the elections did not go as planned. The British authorities tried to send Sheikh Al-Khalissi away to Mumbai in India. But when his ship arrived, many Indian Muslims gathered at the port. They were worried he might become a leader for them too. So, the British decided not to let him off the ship in India. Instead, they sent him to Aden.
Travels and Challenges
While in Aden, Sheikh Al-Khalissi received an invitation from Sharif Hussein, who was the ruler of Mecca. He was invited to perform the Hajj, which is a special Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.
After his pilgrimage, he was invited to Iran by the Iranian foreign minister, Mohammed Mosaddeq. Many religious leaders from Najaf were waiting to meet him there. Sheikh Mahdi Al-Khalissi was welcomed at the Iranian port of Bushehr. However, an official from an oil company tried to harm him.
Later, King Faisal offered for exiled religious leaders to return to Iraq. But Sheikh Al-Khalissi said no. The king's offer came with a condition: they could not get involved in politics.
Later Life and Passing
In 1925, Sheikh Al-Khalissi passed away suddenly in the city of Mashhad.
