Qassam, Izz al-Din al- (d. 1935)
Definition and Meaning
Izz al-Din al-Qassam was a prominent Syrian Islamic activist and cleric who played a vital role in organizing armed resistance against the Zionist movement and British authorities. He sought to invigorate the rural peasant communities by reinstating the core principles of Islam and encouraging a jihad against the colonial and Zionist forces.
Etymology and Background
The name “Izz al-Din” translates to “Glory of the Religion” in Arabic. He was born in 1882 in Jableh, a coastal town in Syria, within the Ottoman Empire. Educated at the renowned al-Azhar University in Cairo, Qassam returned to Syria where he became a significant figure in resistance efforts.
Historical Facts and Dates
- 1882: Birth of Izz al-Din al-Qassam in Jableh, Syria.
- 1911: Traveled to Libya to join the resistance against the Italian invasion.
- 1920: Participated in the Syrian Revolt against French and Palestinian resistance.
- 1925: Moved to Haifa under British Mandate of Palestine.
- 1935: Death while fighting British forces.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
In various Muslim communities, the notion of armed resistance as a form of jihad can be seen in both cultural resistance against colonialism and defense of national and religious identity. Al-Qassamโs message resonated particularly well with peasant communities, who saw him as a champion of their economic and social struggles against oppressive foreign powers.
Synonyms
- Anti-colonial Leader
- Revolutionary Cleric
- Islamic Mujahid
Antonyms
- Colonizer
- Collaborator
- Pacifist
Related Terms with Definitions
- Jihad: Striving or struggling, especially with a praiseworthy aim, often in the context of spiritual struggle or holy war.
- Hamas: Islamic Resistance Movement, a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist organization.
- Zionism: A movement for (originally) the re-establishment and (now) the development and protection of a Jewish nation, presently Israel.
Exciting Facts
- Followers of al-Qassam, including those part of the “Black Hand” (his militant group), were significant amid the Palestinian Arab Revolt of 1936-39.
- The Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades, the military arm of Hamas, are named to honor his sacrifice and unrelenting resistance.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Edward Said: “He [Qassam] translated the verses from the book to the battlefields.”
- Albert Hourani: “Qassam was a man who turned theology into a practice of liberation.”
References and Suggested Literature
- “The Question of Palestine” by Edward Said
- “Islamic Awakening Between Rejection And Extremism” by Yusuf al-Qaradawi
Inspirational Thought: Qassamโs life serves as a profound reminder that faith and resistance often go hand in hand. His legacy speaks volumes of courageโa mission to reclaim justice, sovereignty, and spiritual dignity.
Zahra Al-Hussein, 2023-10-03
“To be inspired by the stories of individuals like Izz al-Din al-Qassam reminds us that the pursuit of justice and the expression of faith are timeless and universally relevant.”
