The Iranian rapper, Shahin Najafi, is in fear for his life following the release of a song called, Naqi.

The song title refers to the 10th Shia Imam, Ali Ibn Muhammad, also known as al-Naqi.

According to Shia tradition the Imam is the infallible spiritual leader of the Muslim community, directly descended from the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima and son-in-law Ali.

Najafi’s reference to 10th Imam in a satirical song has sparked an outcry among religious conservatives in Iran, a predominantly Shia state.

Video: Shahin Najafi & Majid Kazemi’s “Naqi” (explicit Persian lyrics)
Lyrics:

Naqi, I swear on your sense of humor

On this exile that is far from [you]

On the great organ of life

That sits behind us in a threatening mode

Naqi, I invoke you on the length and width of sanctions

On the rising value of the dollar and the feeling of humiliation

Naqi, I swear on the cardboard Imam

On the baby who was saying “Ali!” while stuck in his mother’s womb

Translation: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty