Anna Grasso (UK Team and Website data analysis)
Gary R Bunt (UK Team and Website data analysis)

In the digital age, the passing of influential figures doesn’t always mean the end of their online presence. Their social media accounts and websites often continue to exist, offering a unique window into their lives, work, and impact. These online legacies allow followers, scholars, and future generations to connect with these figures, explore their ideas, and appreciate their contributions after their physical departure.1

In this short article we wish to analyse the issue of the online presence of deceased influential figures. We will base this on a comparative analysis of the digital legacy and online reactions to the deaths of two individuals who, despite their disparate profiles, were both highly influential in their respective fields: Hassan Nasrallah and Ayatollah Sayyid Fadhel Hosseini Al-Milani. Both are Shia Muslims and both passed away in September 2024. The material comes from social media pages as well as archived Muslim OIEs based in the United Kingdom. We did this by using the websites mentioned in our existing Archive (especially the UK-Influential Online Figures, UK-Shia and UK-Media collections). The specific articles we identified were archived in an adhoc collection.

Hassan Nasrallah

Hassan Nasrallah (1960-2024) was a controversial figure at the head of Lebanese Shia political party Hezbollah from 1992 until his death in 2024. His popuarity rose in 2000 after the liberation of South Lebanon as well as in 2006 after the Lebanon War. After these two victories he was admired by both the Shia and the Sunni Muslim communitites. Nonetheless this sentiment changed in 2012 when he chose to back Bashar Al-Asad against the Sunni community in Syria.2 In fact, Nasrallah was a supporter of both the Iranian and Syrian regimes.3 Following the October 7th 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, Hezbollah began bombardments on Israel. As part of its defence strategy, Israel started targeting the heads of these groups. Nasrallah was killed on September 27th 2024 after an Israeli airstrike.

The death of Hassan Nasrallah was a shock for several reasons. His unexpected assassination was a major blow to the organisation and its supporters. Nasrallah was a charismatic and influential figure, a symbol of resistance against Israel. Despite not being an Ayatollah he was also respected as a religious authority. His death raised questions about the future of Hezbollah and the potential for increased instability in the region.

Online reactions from OIEs in the United Kingdom

In the UK we identified online reactions from two Shia websites (Imam Ali Foundation London and The Office of Sheikh Al-Habib) as well as three Sunni Muslim media websites (5Pillars, S2JNews and Islam Channel).

Reactions from Shia websites

The reactions from the two Shia websites reflect the controversy surrounding such a figure. In fact, we notice two completely opposite reactions.

The Imam Ali Foundation London promotes the message of Ayatullah Sayyid Sistani (Iranian Islamic scholar widely regarded as the supreme religious authority for Twelver Shia Muslims) in the West. Based in London, it manages communities in the UK, Europe, and the US. The website issued a translated statement by Sheikh Al-Sistani where Nasrallah is mourned and praised for his fight against Israel and ISIS.

Snapshot of the Imam Ali Foundation London website

Sheikh Al-Habib (1979-), a prominent Kuwaiti cleric and the main representative of the Rafida Shia branch, issued a statement reacting to Nasrallah’s death. The statement was published both on his official website as well as his X/Twitter account. Sheikh Al-Habib declared that neither those who label Nasrallah a “martyr” nor those who “celebrate” his death can be considered true Rafidi Shia Muslims. He also reaffirmed his opposition to “Zionists,” describing them as an existential threat to Islam. Additionally, he condemned the Iranian regime and its spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, asserting that they are not true representatives of Islam and that their actions have harmed the cause of Islamic resistance.

Reactions from Sunni Muslim media websites

Sunni Muslim media in the UK reported on the attack, emphasizing its shocking nature while noting widespread international condemnation.

5PillarsUK published a neutral article reporting on Nasrallah’s death which is divided in three parts: the news of his death from the Israeli army, the official statement from Hezbollah, his biography (focusing on both his positive role in the war against Israel yet his controversial support of the Syrian regime). The media website also included a YouTube video of one of its main journalists Robert Carter who was in Beirut at the moment of the attack. The journalist reacted to this attack, its global implications, and the importance of maintaining faith in Allah, even in the face of such tragic events..

The short article from S2J News also focuses on giving the facts. The text is shorter: we do not find Hezbollah’s statement on Nasrallah’s death, which had not yet been issued at the moment of the article’s publication. Yet, it points to the spectacularity of this assassination: “Israeli aircraft reportedly launched 15 missiles simultaneously, demolishing six buildings. Israeli reports suggest that Nasrallah, age 64, had been residing on the 14th underground floor of the bombed structure.”

The overall tone of the Islam Channel article is somber and critical of Israel’s actions. After highlighting the circumstances surrounding Nasrallah’s death, the article shifts focus to international reactions. The attack lead to widespread condemnation from various countries, including Turkey, France, the UN, Russia, and the UK. On the other hand, the US while emphasing having no prior knowledge of the attack, nonetheless reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to self-defense.

Digital Legacy

An example of Hassan Nasrallah’s digital legacy can be found in the X (formerly Twitter) account @SH_NasrallahEng, which was created in 2021 and remains active as of November 2024.

@SH_NasrallahEng X/Twitter account

The account is highly prolific, regularly sharing posts that include Nasrallah’s speeches, statements, and announcements from Hezbollah, particularly those made by his successor, Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naeem Qassem. It also provides updates on the ongoing conflict. At the top of the account, a pinned post displays his last statement.

Hassan Nasrallah left a significant impact on the Middle East. His death sparked diverse reactions, particularly online. Shia communities mourned him as a hero, while some Sunni groups viewed him with more complexity. His digital legacy, exemplified by the active @SH_NasrallahEng account, ensures that his ideology and the narrative of Hezbollah continue to shape the online discourse, even after his physical demise.

Ayatollah Sayyid Fadhel Hosseini Al-Milani

Ayatollah Dr. Sayyid Fadhel Hosseini Al-Milani (1944–2024) was a respected Shia Islamic scholar and jurist. Born in Karbala, he studied at seminaries in Najaf and Mashhad under renowned teachers, becoming a recognized expert in Islamic law (Mujtahid) in 1974. He held degrees in Islamic studies, law, literature, and philosophy, including a Ph.D. from Oxford University. He worked in religious and educational institutions across Iraq, Iran, Syria, and the UK. He trained many students and participated in international conferences on Islam and interfaith dialogue. He passed away on September 2nd 2024 in London.

Unlike Hassan Nasrallah, all online reactions to Sheikh Al-Milani’s passing we analysed conveyed a positive sentiment.

Online reactions from OIEs in the United Kingdom

In contrast to Hassan Nasrallah’s passing, we identified more reactions on the websites of Shia organisations based in the UK, including his own. This increased visibility may be attributed to his presence in the UK. However, none of the UK Sunni or Shia Muslim media websites we examined reported on his death.

Five Shia organisations sources issued statements and reactions. Three are Shia UK-centred institutions: Abrar Islamic Foundation, Islamic Centre of England and The Islamic College. We also find two European-centred institutions based in the UK: The Council of European Jamaats and Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Shia Europe.

Reactions from Shia UK-centred institutions

The first pages of the Abrar Islamic Foundation‘s bi-monthly newsletter feature a one-and-a-half-page article dedicated to honouring Sheikh Al-Milani. It reflects on his life, achievements, and impact on religious and academic communities, particularly in the UK. He is remembered for establishing an Islamic seminary in London, where he mentored numerous students, and for his role in bridging traditional Islamic teachings with contemporary approaches.

The Imam of the Islamic Centre of England Seyed Hashem Moosavi issued a statement on Sheikh Al-Milani’s death. The statement expresses condolences on his passing, acknowledging his significant contributions to religion and education, and offers prayers for his family and community.

On The Islamic College website we find a post announcing the passing of Professor Al-Milani, who was an academic and teacher at the College. The post highlights his significant contributions to teaching, research, and the Muslim community in the UK, as well as his leadership at the College. It also announced a memorial service on Friday, 6th September 2024. It includes a prayer and invites personal messages of condolences from others through a specific button.

Reactions from Shia Europe-centred institutions

The Council of European Jamaats website included a large poster of Sheikh Al-Milani announcing his death along with a short message highlighting his contributions to Islamic education. The post also calls for prayers and the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha (the first chapter of the Qur’an).

The Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Shia Europe also issued an official statement. The text expresses profound sorrow and acknowledges Sheikh Al-Milani’s significant contributions to Islamic scholarship and his leadership within the Muslim community. The announcement also presents part of his biography emphasising also on his role as the “UK representative of Ayatollah Sayyid Abul Qasim Al-Khoei [1899-1992, prominent Iraqi Shia cleric] & Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Al Rouhani [1926-2022, Iranian Shia cleric] and his accreditation on behalf of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Sistani [1943- , Iraqi Shia cleric]”. These are three of the main Shia religious authority figures (in the context of their networks), reflecting Sheikh Al-Milani’s influence and prestige.

On social media (which we cannot archive) we also find official reactions from other major Shia institutions in the UK such as the Al-Khoei Foundation or World Federation of KSIMC as well as other charitable entities namely Lady Fatemah Trust (of which Sheikh Al-Milani was a funding trustee). All three organisations have websites yet the statements can only be found on their social media accounts.

Digital Legacy

The digital legacy of Sheikh Al-Milani can be found in numerous online sources. Two examples are his personal website and social media account.

We had initially archived Sheikh Al-Milani’s website within the UK Influential Online Figures collection in February 2024. We were thus able to compare the website’s appearance after his passing. The only major change is the top banner which went from an image of the Sheikh in color during what seems to be a gathering to a black and white image with a text in Arabic announcing his passing as well as a passage from the Qur’an (2:156) used for such occasion declaring “To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return”. The rest of the website seems unchanged. We find videos of his sermons and lessons as well as a Q&A section.

Archived website from February 2024

Current version of the website from November 2024

Sheikh Al-Milani also had a social media presence through his Instagram account which is currently still active (November 2024). At the top of his account we find three pinned posts with a message of thank you from his family as well as two videos capturing his funeral service in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.

Sheikh Al-Milani’s Instagram account

Since his passing we find tribute videos and posts of the Sheikh underlining his contributions such as in the field of Interfaith dialogue. Many of his videos are presented with a short poignant title. Most are create by the noorislamiceducation account headed by Sheikh Al-Hilli (another UK-based influential islamic scholar whose page we have also archived in our UK-Influential Online Figures Collection).

The account hadn’t been very active since 2022 except for one post in 2023 and 2024. The page was mostly reactivated at the end of August 2024 when two posts from two different organisations invited fellow Muslims to pray for the Sheikh who was in critical health conditions.

Ayatollah Dr. Sayyid Fadhel Hosseini Al-Milani’s (1944–2024) online legacy reflects his profound impact on Islamic scholarship, education, and interfaith dialogue, particularly within the UK Shia community. This enduring digital presence ensures his contributions remain accessible to future generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the digital legacies of both Hassan Nasrallah and Ayatollah Sayyid Fadhel Hosseini Al-Milani provide a stark contrast in how deceased influential figures are portrayed online, shaped by their differing roles and public perceptions.

Nasrallah’s online legacy reflects his complex and polarizing political and religious influence, with a presence characterized by continued activity on social media channels, often promoting Hezbollah’s agenda and his successor’s messages. His death triggered a mix of mourning, celebration, and political commentary, especially within Shia communities that revered his resistance against Israel, while others criticized his controversial alliances.

On the other hand, Sheikh Al-Milani’s digital presence is a testament to his respected scholarly and religious legacy. His online legacy, preserved through his website and social media accounts, emphasizes his contributions to Islamic education, interfaith dialogue, and his role in the Shia community in the UK. Tributes and memorials continue to circulate, portraying him as a figure of unity and intellectual authority.

An additional question that emerges from analysing the personal webpages and social media accounts of these two figures revolves around the identity and role of the individuals managing these platforms, particularly after the passing of the figures they represent. This inquiry also extends to instances where such accounts are administered by others even during the lifetime of these individuals. Who are the people “behind the scenes”? What are their motivations, and how do their choices influence the legacy of the original account holders?

DigitIslam intends to pursue archiving and examining this collection to develop a more in-depth analysis (for instance, taking into consideration organisations and connections with Irak and Iran). This data can become a useful tool for researchers and the general public who have an interest in digital Islam across Europe as well as those who are mostly focused on the study of the online presence of deceased influential figures. Moreover, the analysis of these sites will be part of a wider project output through presentations and publications.

Image by Ri Butov from Pixabay

Endnotes

  1. For more on this: Bunt, G. R. (2024). Islamic algorithms: Online influence in the Muslim metaverse. Bloomsbury. p. 32-33; Bunt, G.R. (upcoming 2024) “From Sheikh Google to Imam AI? Evolving Islamic Influence and Authority in Muslim Digital Worlds” in El-Wereny, Mahmud; Nagel, Alexander-Kenneth eds. Scharia im Wandel Beiträge zur Transformation islamischer Autorität im Spannungsfeld von Kodifikation, Migration und Digitalisierung. Buch (Paperback). p. 225 back
  2. Joffe, L. (2024, September 30). Hassan Nasrallah obituary. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/29/hassan-nasrallah-obituary back
  3. For more information about Hassan Nasrallah: Daher, A. (2019). Hezbollah: Mobilization and Power. Oxford University Press. back

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