Mahdi Army

Iraqi militia group

Also known as: JAM, Jaysh al-Mahdī

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The Mahdi Army, also known as Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM), was an Iraqi Shi'i militia group founded by Muqtada al-Sadr in 2003. The militia emerged after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and engaged in armed clashes with multinational forces and Sunni insurgents. JAM was accused of contributing to the civil conflict between Shi'is and Sunnis through acts of retribution.1

The term "Mahdi" in Islamic eschatology refers to a messianic figure who will bring justice and equity to the world before its end. While not mentioned in the Quran, traditions about the Mahdi are present in some Hadith compilations and are a part of Shi'i doctrine. The concept of the Mahdi has historically been invoked during times of crisis and has been claimed by social revolutionaries. Muqtada al-Sadr's militia adopted this name, aligning with a broader tradition of Mahdist movements in Islamic history.21

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Iraq War
Occupation and continued warfare
…such Shiʿi militia group, the Mahdi Army, formed by cleric Muqtadā al-Ṣadr in the summer of 2003, was particularly deadly in its battle against Sunnis and U.S. and Iraqi forces and was considered a major destabilizing force in the country.
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…such Shiʿi militia group, the Mahdi Army, formed by cleric Muqtadā al-Ṣadr in the summer of 2003, was particularly deadly in its battle against Sunnis and U.S. and Iraqi forces and was considered a major destabilizing force in the country.
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Muqtada al-Sadr
Patron of Shiʿi populism during the Iraq War
…Jaysh al-Mahdī (JAM), or the Mahdī Army, engaged in direct armed clashes with the multinational forces in April and August 2004 and was accused of contributing heavily to the ongoing civil conflict between Shiʿis and Sunnis. Sadr’s critics held JAM responsible for brutal acts of retribution against Sunnis, including kidnapping,…
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…Jaysh al-Mahdī (JAM), or the Mahdī Army, engaged in direct armed clashes with the multinational forces in April and August 2004 and was accused of contributing heavily to the ongoing civil conflict between Shiʿis and Sunnis. Sadr’s critics held JAM responsible for brutal acts of retribution against Sunnis, including kidnapping,…
Read More