Definition and Meaning:
Harakat ul-Ansar/Harakat ul-Mujahidin β This is a Pakistan-based militant organization active in Indian-held Kashmir. The group can trace its roots back to the Afghan Islamic resistance against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s. Initially established as Harakat ul-Ansar in October 1993 by Mawlana Fazlur Rahman Khalil, a Deobandi scholar and activist, it was rebranded as Harakat ul-Mujahidin in 1997. The reorganized entity continued its militant activities with its headquarters in Muzaffarabad, Pakistani (Azad) Kashmir. The group believes in a pan-Islamic ideology aiming towards “one flag, one government, and one state” for the entire Muslim world. It was banned by Pakistan’s government in December 2001 in response to rising international concerns and accusations of terrorism, particularly after the assassination of four Western tourists in Kashmir.
Etymology:
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Harakat ul-Ansar: Derived from Arabic, Harakat (ΨΨ±ΩΨ©) means “movement,” and Ansar (Ψ£ΩΨ΅Ψ§Ψ±) refers to the “helpers” or supporters, historically those who helped Prophet Muhammad in Medina.
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Harakat ul-Mujahidin: Harakat (ΨΨ±ΩΨ©) again means “movement,” and Mujahidin (Ω Ψ¬Ψ§ΩΨ―ΩΩ) means “those engaged in Jihad” or holy struggle.
Historical Background:
- 1980s: The roots of Harakat ul-Ansar lie in the Afghan resistance movement against the Soviet forces in Afghanistan.
- 1993: Harakat ul-Ansar is formed by Mawlana Fazlur Rahman Khalil.
- 1997: The organization is reconstituted as Harakat ul-Mujahidin.
- 1999: The group is implicated in the assassination of four Western tourists in Kashmir.
- 2001: The U.S. State Department designates it a terrorist organization. Later that same year, the Pakistani government bans the group as part of a crackdown on militant organizations.
Cultural Context, Differences, and Similarities:
- The ideologies promoted by Harakat ul-Ansar/Harakat ul-Mujahidin align with radical interpretations of Islam advocating for pan-Islamism.
- Culturally, the group resonates with elements in Pakistani society inclined towards militancy and extreme ideologies, while opposed vehemently by those advocating for a moderate, pluralistic society.
- Comparatively, many militant groups worldwide share the vision of uniting believers under a single ideological umbrella but vary dramatically in method, scope, and cultural specifics.
Synonyms and Related Terms:
Synonyms:
- Hum
- HA
Related Terms:
- Deobandi Movement: An Islamic revivalist movement originating in India.
- Mujahidin: Those engaged in Jihad.
- Pan-Islamism: A political ideology advocating for unity among Muslim nations.
- Afghan Islamic Resistance: The coalition of Mujahidin groups fighting against Soviet Forces in Afghanistan.
Exciting Facts:
- Harakat ul-Mujahidin is considered an early example of merging local militancy with global Jihadist ideology.
- Mawlana Fazlur Rahman Khalil, the founder, was reportedly close to Osama bin Laden and other top al-Qaeda leaders.
- The group rebranded after the assassination of Western tourists to evade international scrutiny but continued similar militant activities.
Quotations:
“The terror that the Harakat ul-Ansar spread in Kashmir has echoes across international corridors, making the fight for peace more relentless.” β Fictional Author Ali Raza.
References and Suggested Literature:
- Malik, Iftikhar. Islam, Nationalism, and the West: Issues of Identity in the 1990s. London: Macmillan, 1999.
- Rashid, Ahmed. Taliban: Militant Islam, Oil and Fundamentalism in Central Asia. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2000.
- Tankel, Stephen. Storming the World Stage: The Story of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011.
Quiz Section:
Thank you for delving into the detailed examination of Harakat ul-Ansar/Harakat ul-Mujahidin. As you continue your quest for knowledge, may you remain inquisitive and steadfast in uncovering truths.
β Zara Al-Mawsili, October 2023
