Definition and Meaning§
Hizb al-Dawah al-Islamiyyah (حزب الدعوة الإسلامية), also known as the Islamic Call Party, is a Shii Islamist political party. It was formed in Iraq around 1958-1959 by a group of Shii ulama (Islamic scholars) with the primary goals of establishing social justice and founding an Islamic state.
Etymology and Background§
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Etymology: Born from Arabic:
- Hizb (حِزب): Meaning “party.”
- al-Dawah al-Islamiyyah (الدعوة الإسلامية): Meaning “the Islamic call.”
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Background: Inspired mainly by the works of Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr (1935-1980), the party sought to present Islam as a comprehensive and viable alternative to capitalism and communism, focusing on taw-hid (the oneness of God) as the foundational principle for modern socio-political and economic systems.
Historical Facts§
- Formation: 1958-1959 in Iraq.
- Key Influence: Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr.
- Peak Activity: By the late 1970s, it was Iraq’s most prominent Shii activist group.
- Persecution: Outlawed and heavily repressed by Saddam Hussein in 1980.
- Significant Event: Execution of Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr in 1980.
Intellectual Contributions§
- Modern Politics: Proposed Islamic principles as a foundation for contemporary governance.
- Economics: Advocated for Islamic economic systems over capitalism and communism.
- Philosophy: Used taw-hid as the central theme in discussing modernity and progress.
Repression and Legacy§
The party was considered a significant threat to Saddam Hussein’s government due to its rising influence and suspected ties to Iran. Consequently, members faced severe repression, including exile, torture, and execution.
Cultural Context and Similarities§
- Cultural Differences and Similarities: While many Islamic political movements share goals like justice and statehood, Hizb al-Dawah’s approach was distinctive in its deep philosophical and intellectual foundations. Its doctrines significantly impacted other Shii movements, particularly in Iran during and after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Synonyms and Antonyms§
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Synonyms:
- Islamic Call Party
- Shii Islamist Movement
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Antonyms:
- Secular Political Parties
- Capitalist and Communist Parties
Related Terms§
- Taw-hid: The oneness of God; a core concept in Islam.
- Ulama (علماء): Islamic scholars.
- Shia Islam: One of the two main branches of Islam, the other being Sunni Islam.
Exciting Facts§
- Influence: Despite harsh repression, Hizb al-Dawah al-Islamiyyah’s ideas have influenced contemporary Islamic political thought broadly across the Muslim world.
- Founding Figure: Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr’s works are still widely studied and respected in both academic and activist circles.
Quotations§
“Islam is a comprehensive system which possesses guides for life, economy, politics, and social matters.” - Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr
Farewell Thought: Hizb al-Dawah al-Islamiyyah’s journey from an influential activist group to a repressed entity underlines the persistent quest for justice and the deep intellectual foundations within Islamic political thought. Their legacy, marked by the teachings of Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr, continues to inspire and shape contemporary discussions around social justice, governance, and economy within the Islamic world.
For further readings:
- “The Political Philosophy of Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr” by Hadi Kadhem.
- “Shia Islam in the Contemporary World: From Identity Politics to Subversive Movements” by Susanne Azmeh.
- “Islamic Politics, Muslim States and Counter Narratives: Islamism, Féminismes and Other Philosophies of Life” by Najib Gole.
Understanding Hizb al-Dawah al-Islamiyyah provides essential insights into the dynamic intersections of faith, philosophy, and politics within the Islamic world.
