Awdah, Abdal-Aziz (born 1948) was a prominent Palestinian Islamic fundamentalist leader. Noted for his education at Dar al-Ulum in Egypt, Awdah became aligned with militant fundamentalist groups during his time there, some linked to the assassination of Anwar Sadat. He played a critical role in the ideological formation of Islamic Jihad of Palestine, engaging in violent opposition against Israeli targets. His education and ideological pursuits distinctly shaped the militant landscape in Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories.
Definition and Meaning
Awdah, Abdal-Aziz: A notable Palestinian Islamic leader known for his fundamentalist beliefs and militant activities. Born in Bir al-Sab, settled in Jabaliyyah camp after Israeli establishment, and was a key figure in founding Islamic Jihad of Palestine.
Etymology
- Abdal-Aziz: A common Islamic name meaning “Servant of the Almighty”.
- Awdah: Derived from Arabic ΨΉΩΩΩΨ―ΩΨ©, implying a return or comeback.
Background and Historical Facts
- Born: 1948, Bir al-Sab (present-day Beersheba, Israel)
- Education: Graduated from Dar al-Ulum, Egypt.
- Militant Ties: Associated with fundamental groups in Egypt, linked to Anwar Sadat’s assassination.
- Teaching: Lecturer at Islamic University of Gaza, returned to Gaza in 1981.
- Militancy: Co-founder of Islamic Jihad of Palestine.
- Arrest and Deportation: Arrested by Israel in 1984, deported to south Lebanon in 1993.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
The persona and actions of Awdah resonate differently across cultural contexts:
- Palestinian Context: Celebrated in fundamentalist circles for his resistance efforts.
- Israeli Context: Seen as a significant militant threat.
- Global Perspectives: Opinions vary, with some viewing as freedom fighter and others as an extremist.
Synonyms
- Militant Leader
- Fundamentalist Speaker
- Islamic Jihad Collaborator
Antonyms
- Peace Advocate
- Diplomat
- Negotiator
Related Terms
- Islamic Jihad: A Palestinian militant group co-founded by Awdah.
- HAMAS: Another prominent Palestinian militant group sharing similar ideology.
- Jabaliyyah Camp: Refugee camp where Awdah settled post-1948.
Exciting Facts
- Link to Sadat’s Assassination: Though not directly involved, moved in militant circles responsible for such acts.
- Gaza Lectures: His teachings at Islamic University played a pivotal role in radicalizing a new generation.
- Surveillance and Arrest: Remained a high-value target for Israeli security forces.
Quotations
“His words lit a fire among the young men of Gaza, driving them to rally around the cause of a free Palestine.” - Historian Muhammed Ali
References
For further reading:
- Esposito, John L. “The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality?”
- Pargeter, Alison. “The Muslim Brotherhood: From Opposition to Power”
- Khalidi, Rashid. “Brokers of Deceit: How the US Has Undermined Peace in the Middle East”
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the lives and impacts of noteworthy figures in Islamic history. We must study these moments with a lens of understanding, learning from the past to forge a better future.
β Hussein Algazi, October 2023
