The death of Hezbollah’s longtime chief, Hassan Nasrallah, in Israeli airstrikes in Beirut has sparked mixed reactions within the Muslim populations around the world as they one part seems to be outraged by the event of his death and other seems to celebrate the moment siding with Israel.
India seems to have its participation through Kashmir as protests erupted, demonstrating outrage, while Iran observed days of mourning. Prominent leaders like Mehbooba Mufti and Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi paused their election campaigns to honor Nasrallah, a figure revered in the Shia community. The protests in Kashmir were marked by anti-Israeli and anti-American chants, demonstrating solidarity with the people of Lebanon and Gaza during this tumultuous time. Mehbooba Mufti said “Cancelling my campaign tomorrow in solidarity with the martyrs of Lebanon & Gaza, especially Hassan Nasrallah. We stand with the people of Palestine & Lebanon in this hour of immense grief & exemplary resistance,” on X.
Cancelling my campaign tomorrow in solidarity with the martyrs of Lebanon & Gaza especially Hassan Nasarullah. We stand with the people of Palestine & Lebanon in this hour of immense grief & exemplary resistance.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) September 28, 2024
Conversely, celebrations broke out among certain segments of society in the Middle East, including areas in Syria and parts of Iran, where individuals viewed Nasrallah’s death as a positive development. Many Syrian opposition supporters, who have suffered at the hands of Hezbollah during the civil war, expressed joy at the news, with celebrations even observed in the jihadist-controlled Idlib region. Videos circulated online showed people in both Syria and Iran toasting to Nasrallah’s demise, with some Iranian women openly celebrating his death as a blow to the Iranian regime that has long supported Hezbollah.
Women in Iran celebrate the Elimination of Nasrallah pic.twitter.com/1zwAZAxlwH
— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) September 27, 2024
The Broader Context of Division
This stark divide of Shia-Sunni raises questions about underlying tensions within the Muslim world. While Nasrallah was a symbol of resistance for many Shias, others, including minorities in Lebanon and anti-government activists in Iran and Syria, saw his death as an opportunity for change. The mixed responses illustrate a complex interplay of sectarian and geopolitical sentiments that transcend the traditional Shia-Sunni divide, reflecting the discontent of various oppressed groups against the backdrop of a turbulent regional landscape.
