Kasnazani

The Kasnazani order is a Sufi order popular in Iraq and Iran, especially among the Kurds. It is a sub-order of the Qadiri order and is thought to be the largest order in Iraq. It makes no distinction between Sunni and Shia followers. The order is known for its rituals during which some of its adherents (dervishes) inflict wounds upon themselves, such as piercing their bodies, chewing blades or electrocuting themselves. It is also known for the music performed during the rituals using large drums (daf). Male members twirl their hip long hair around during rituals.

The order was founded by the Kurdish Sheik Muhammad Abdul-Kareem al-Kasnazani, who had friedly ties with Saddam Hussein shortly before the US invasion, and fled to where he now lives.