Hizb al-Nahdah (Tunisia) - ์๊ฟ๋ณด๋ค ํ๋ ฅ HARAM ๊ตฌ์กฐ์์ฒญ๐
Definition and Meaning: Hizb al-Nahdah, often referred to as the Renaissance Party, is an influential Islamist political organization in Tunisia. It was originally founded as the Islamic Tendency Movement (Mouvement de la Tendance Islamique, MTI) in 1981 by the distinguished academician and lawyer Rashid al-Ghannoushi, in collaboration with Abd al-Fattah Muru. In 1988, due to governmental restrictions that prohibited the use of “Islam” in political party names, the movement was rebranded to Hizb al-Nahdah (Party of Renaissance).
This party aims to reconstruct Tunisia’s socio-economic fabric on a foundation of equity, endorse political pluralism and democracy, and re-establish Islamic moral and religious values.
Etymology and Background:
- Hizb al-Nahdah: ‘Hizb’ means party or group in Arabic, while ‘Nahdah’ signifies ‘renaissance’ or ‘awakening.’
- Islamic Tendency Movement (MTI): Before 1988, the movement was known under this name, reflecting its Islamic ideological inclinations directly in its title.
Historical Growth and Evolution: Hizb al-Nahdah was born in the politically charged context of Tunisia’s regime, which, at the time, was rife with single-party dominance and institutional repression against political dissent. Upon its inception in 1981, MTI sought to offer a platform rooted in Islamic principles but also embraced political pluralism and democracy.
The shift in nomenclature from MTI to Hizb al-Nahdah came in 1988, following a governmental decree that banned the usage of ‘Islam’ in political party names. This rebranding reflected the movement’s adaptability to the political landscape, signaling a persistent commitment to its core values despite external pressures.
Cultural Differences and Similarities: In the wider context of Islamist movements, Hizb al-Nahdah shares common ground with movements like the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, especially in its blend of political activism and Islamic principles. However, a notable point of divergence is Hizb al-Nahdahโs explicit embrace of democratic pluralism and political inclusiveness, positioning it as a moderate voice amidst more hardline contemporaries.
Synonyms and Related Terms:
- Renaissance Party
- Islamic Tendency Movement (MTI)
- Tunisian Islamism
Antonyms:
- Secularism
- Autocracy
- Single-party Dominance
Exciting Facts:
- Role during the Arab Spring: Hizb al-Nahdah’s pivotal role in the democratic transition post-Arab Spring is a testament to its significant societal and political leverage.
- Exile and Return: Founder Rashid al-Ghannoushi spent years in exile due to political persecution but returned to Tunisia triumphantly after the Jasmine Revolution in 2011.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
- Rashid al-Ghannoushi: “Islam should not be a threat to democracy. Rather, Islam offers values that should complement democratic principles.”
References and Suggest Literature:
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Books:
- “The Arab Uprisings: What Everyone Needs to Know” by James L. Gelvin
- “Journey to Reform: A Political Memoir” by Rashid al-Ghannoushi
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Articles:
- “The New Middle East: Protests and Political Transformations” - Foreign Affairs
- “Hizb al-Nahdah and the Arab Spring: Political Strategies and Historical Roots” - Journal of Islamic Political Thought
Inspirational Thought: “Change resides not in the stagnancy of seclusion but in the courageous embrace of new horizons and diverse voices.”
Farewell words: Remember that every movement intrinsically represents the inexorable journey towards growth and understandingโa renaissance in the truest sense.
