Hamoud al-Ahnomi, the leader in the Houthi group, listed on terrorist organizations' watchlists, is not the first to insult Yemenis and impugn the "honor" of Yemeni women. He is not the last either. The litany of insults, before and after his pronouncements, is too numerous to count and too vile to repeat.

According to historical sources and historians, ever since Yahya Hussein al-Rassi arrived in Yemen 1154 years ago, his insults, and those of his lineage and followers, have never ceased. They have been uttered from public platforms, in books, and in private meetings and communications, increasing in intensity, frequency, ugliness, and vulgarity according to the boundaries and demands of their war against Yemenis, collectively and individually. These insults are often cloaked in the garb of Islam.

Researchers argue that insulting Yemenis, impugning their honor, lineage, and faith, is driven by racist motives and has become a ritualistic practice for the Houthis. The Hadawi religious authorities invent and legitimize these insults, while their followers embrace them as religious doctrine.

Impugning Religion and Honor

Yemeni writer and researcher Zayed Jaber states that "the insults directed by the Hadawi Hashemite authorities towards Yemeni tribes are numerous and broadly fall into categories related to religion and worldly matters."

According to Jaber, religious accusations include "accusing their opponents of hypocrisy, even outright apostasy in some cases. They also brand them as ignorant of Islamic law and consider any opposition to the imams as opposition to the Prophet himself and to Islam. Meanwhile, those from the opposing tribes who are considered religious are accused of being collaborators and hypocrites, with contemporary accusations adding 'takfiri' and 'Daesh' (ISIS)."

Beyond religious accusations, Jaber explains in a conversation with Barran Press that "they have impugned the honor of most Yemeni tribes who have ever opposed them, describing them as illegitimate children, claiming their women do not preserve their honor and engage in promiscuity with men… and so on. They even go so far as to claim that if it weren't for the imams, promiscuity would be rampant and organized among Yemeni tribes."

Impugning Morality and Lineage

Yemeni journalist and writer Dr. Thabit al-Ahmadi states that "anyone who even minimally delves into the literature of the Hadawi Imamate, both poetry and prose, will find it overflowing with hurtful insults directed at Yemenis."

Al-Ahmadi, a researcher in Yemeni history, explains in a conversation with Barran Press that these insults "primarily focus on the moral aspect," expressing his astonishment that "they have turned them into a religious doctrine."

Even more astonishing, according to the researcher, "they have attributed what they call hadiths (sayings) to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which state that anyone who hates the Ahl al-Bayt (Prophet's family) is either... or... or... and my pen refuses to write those words that are offensive to decency."

He points out that "in Bihar al-Anwar by al-Majlisi, there are things that make one's hair stand on end, and in the biography of the murderous Yahya Hussein al-Rassi, and other works attributed to the Ahl al-Bayt, there is wonder upon wonder!! The same applies to Damighat al-Dawamig by al-Shami."

Al-Ahmadi states that "from an early time, the lineage of Yemenis has been impugned, as well as their honor, both men and women," adding that "Yemeni social, cultural, and political figures have been branded with moral stigmas that have no relation to them and which they never knew throughout their history." He considers the Yemeni figure Ali bin al-Fadl as an example of this.

More Than Just Insults

Regarding the ideological and intellectual roots of these insults that the Imams of Guidance and their followers have used to brand their opponents among Yemenis, researcher Zayed Jaber says that "they were not just passing insults, but they rooted them in their ideology and claimed to have prophetic hadiths."

According to him, "they falsely narrated that the Prophet said, 'No one hates us, the Ahl al-Bayt, except one of three: a man whose mother brought him forth from outside his father's bed – meaning an illegitimate child – or a man whose mother brought him forth while she was menstruating, or a man who is sodomized.' Another version says, 'or a hypocrite.'"

Scholars of Insults

Jaber tells Barran Press about "numerous narrations that fill the books of Hadawi heritage." He says that these narrations "have been authenticated and verified by contemporary Hadawi scholars such as Majd al-Din al-Mu'ayyad, Badr al-Din al-Houthi, Abd al-Salam al-Wajih, Abd al-Azim al-Houthi, and many others." He asserts that "there is no authority that refutes this to this day."

Therefore, he says that "they have generalized these insults towards all their opponents throughout history," adding that "even the Rightly Guided Caliphs and their Abbasid cousins were not spared, not to mention the leaders, sheikhs, and commanders of Yemen who confronted them throughout history."

Intellectual Terrorism and Moral Murder

Researcher Zayed Jaber explains the impact of these insults: "They previously had an effect on many people who fell under the influence of the intellectual terrorism practiced by the Imams and their preachers." This impact was amplified by "the aura surrounding these authorities, presented as Imams of Guidance, Lamps of Darkness, Companions of the Book, and descendants of the Prophet... etc."

He adds, "In the face of widespread ignorance and illiteracy, and people's concern for their reputation and honor, some avoided opposing them, while others joined their ranks in fighting to avoid these accusations."

Researcher al-Ahmadi clarifies that "these rumors, which are a form of warfare, have been believed by some of the simple folk and general public, and have become accepted truths for some, even though the more aware elite were not affected by these rumors. The general public was mobilized against them, and people were rallied for their war, to change the wrong, as they claim."

Al-Ahmadi considers these insults "a type of rumor that serves as a weapon in the face of confrontation," stating that "the entire history of the Imamate is a confrontation and a war against Yemenis, from their arrival in Yemen until now." He asserts that Yemen "has not known a single year of peace since the arrival of the first criminal tyrant, Yahya Hussein al-Rassi, until today."

A Weapon of Fear and Control

Yemeni journalist and writer Hamdan al-Aliy states that "the lineage used insults and defamation to intimidate Yemenis who do not believe in them. They could only intimidate them through these methods because they could not frighten them with heaven and hell." He describes it as "a vile method that harms Yemenis in this world, based on the principle that if you don't believe in us, then you are... (vulgar descriptions)."

Al-Aliy adds that they "persistently use this method to demean and terrorize Yemenis in a conservative country. These qualities harm them and alienate people from them for life. They also use them to confront any influential voices, political or community leaders, teachers, or public figures with influence, by labeling them with the worst descriptions to alienate people from them and prevent their influence." He adds that "they have a fatwa (religious ruling) on this matter."

Racist Motivations

Hamdan al-Aliy , author of the book "The Compound Crime: Origins of Racial Starvation in Yemen," states that "the lineage has practiced racism against Yemenis since the arrival of al-Rassi in Yemen. They see themselves as superior to other people, so they gather as many analogies, myths, terms, phrases, and sayings as possible that demean others, especially those who differ from them and refuse to submit to them."

The reason for this demeaning and targeting of Yemenis' honor, according to al-Aliy , is the "racist" belief of the group. He says, "The lineage believes that they are special and pure, and they call themselves pure. Therefore, Yemenis are not pure. They describe their women as noble, so Yemeni women are not noble, in this sense. When they call themselves masters, then Yemenis are followers."

He emphasizes that "the racist belief is what makes them demean others, because they prove their superiority in this way." He points out that "they cannot prove their superiority over others except by demeaning them."

A Moral Divide and the Need for Criminalization

Hamdan Al-Aliy, a Yemeni scholar, highlights the stark moral divide. He argues that while Yemenis who retaliate are merely reacting to deeply offensive behavior, the Houthis use insults and attacks on Yemeni honor as part of their religious doctrine. Al-Aliy emphasizes the need to address this issue at its core, condemning the religious texts and historical narratives that legitimize such behavior. He further calls for the criminalization of these actions, recognizing them as a form of racial discrimination.

The Impact and the Way Forward

Researcher Zayed Jaber believes that the Houthis' insults will backfire, increasing awareness of their sectarian and racist agenda. He suggests that the best way to counter these insults is through media exposure, revealing the truth about the Houthis' perception of Yemeni tribes and society. He also emphasizes the importance of exposing the historical and ideological roots of this behavior. Jaber believes that the Houthis' own followers are increasingly aware of the absurdity of these insults.

A Call to Action

Al-Aliy urges a strong and sustained response to these insults, advocating for a multitude of approaches:

• In-depth critical studies: These should be honest and not subject to intimidation.
• Book writing: Creating literature that addresses the issue directly.
• Workshops: Organizing workshops to raise awareness and facilitate dialogue.
• Intensified media coverage: This should be continuous and not limited to short-term campaigns.

He believes that 1,200 years of this "ugly" practice must end.

The Responsibility to Confront

Historian Jaber emphasizes the collective responsibility to confront this hateful ideology. He believes that intellectuals, religious leaders, media outlets, and activists must actively combat these insults and the underlying racist ideology. This can be achieved through:

• Institutional Action: State and private institutions should condemn and counter Houthi propaganda through cultural and media initiatives.
• Educational Reform: Curriculums should be revised to expose and debunk these harmful narratives.

A War of Lies and Slander

Researcher Al-Ahmadi highlights the Houthi's use of slander and misinformation to target their opponents. He calls for a unified front to combat these tactics, emphasizing the need to expose the truth and debunk their lies.

A Comprehensive Response

Hamdan Al-Aliy emphasizes the need for a comprehensive response involving all segments of Yemeni society. He calls for a unified effort from:

• Government officials: They should take a firm stance against this hate speech.
• Civil society organizations: They should actively participate in awareness campaigns and educational initiatives.
• Religious leaders: They should condemn the Houthi's misinterpretation of religious texts.
• Teachers: They should educate students about the dangers of racism and prejudice.

Al-Aliy emphasizes that this is not just a responsibility of official institutions but of every Yemeni citizen. He urges everyone to stand up against this hateful rhetoric and protect future generations from its poisonous effects.

A Pattern of Abuse

The Houthi's history of insults against Yemenis is extensive. They have previously accused Yemenis of immorality, labeling women who celebrated the national holiday as "prostitutes." This pattern of abuse highlights the deep-seated prejudice and hatred that drives their actions.

Conclusion

The Houthi's racist ideology poses a significant threat to Yemeni society. The responsibility to combat this hate speech and its underlying ideology rests on the shoulders of all Yemenis. A united front, encompassing government institutions, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and individuals, is crucial to protect the future of Yemen and ensure a society free from prejudice and discrimination.