During the time when Sheiki leaders were issuing divisive claims, Iraq was a part of the Ottoman government. Thus, two cities of Karbala and Najaf were important for the bigoted Sunni government of Ottoman as the center of Shiism. So, each movement which was contrary to Shiite source of authority and the Shiite government of Iran was supported by the Ottoman government.

Thus, Kazem Rashti and his followers were respected and supported by the Ottoman officials because Sheikism movement (especially in Kazem Rashti period of time) could play an important role in creating religious differences among Shiites and caused the united front of Shiite scholars to be afflicted by internal differences. Thus, in 1258 A.H.[1], the Shiite people of Kabala who have been harassed by the Ottoman officials’ coercions started opposing. Muhammad Najib Pasha surrounded Karbala city.

Muhammad Najib Pasha’s army entered into the city after 18 days. According to the historical reports, 4000 Shiite men and women were killed. In this painful event, even those who sought asylum to Imam Hussein (P.H.) and the Excellency Abbas’s (P.H.) holy Shrines weren’t secure, too. As we read: “Those who were in the Excellency Abbas’s (P.H.) holy shrine weren’t secure. They killed everybody who was in the holy Shrine. They killed even someone who was inside the holy Shrine’s grave. He was shot and killed. Pasha himself had entered into the holy shrine of the Lord of Martyrs (P.H.). In brief nobody was safe there.[2]”

Nevertheless, it is interesting to be known that at that Conditions that nowhere of Karbala was secure, Kazem Rashti’s house was safe for him and his followers. As we read: “population had pressed on one another in Kazem Rashti’s house to avoid being killed to such an extent that twenty people were died due to extreme pressure.[3]”

However, Muhammad Karim Khan Kermani was satisfied with the massacre; as he has said: “A year before Seyyed Kazem’s death; they were afflicted by the divine torture. They made the messenger of God be angry and caused the holy Imams to revenge. They were afflicted by the fate calamity. Najib Pasha kindled and surrounded Karbala city. After a short time, they shot 30000 cannons and destroyed most parts of the city.[4]”

Yes, the Sheikism leaders consider defaming the holy Shrine of Karbala and men and women’s massacre as the divine revenge. Indeed, is it God’s revenge?!!!