๐Ÿ•Œ Qassam, Izz al-Din al-: The Beacon of Resistance and Islamic Faith

Delve into the life of Izz al-Din al-Qassam, a Syrian Islamic activist renowned for his resistance against Zionist and British forces. Explore his inspirational role in reawakening Islamic principles among peasant communities and the legacy he left, leading to the formation of the militant Qassam Brigades.

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-Qassamโ€™s 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
  • 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: Qassamโ€™s life serves as a profound reminder that faith and resistance often go hand in hand. His legacy speaks volumes of courageโ€”a mission to reclaim justice, sovereignty, and spiritual dignity.

### What does the name "Izz al-Din" translate to? - [x] Glory of the Religion - [ ] Warrior of Faith - [ ] Protector of the Land - [ ] Leader of the People > **Explanation:** The name "Izz al-Din" translates to "Glory of the Religion" in Arabic, reflecting the significant role Qassam played in Islam and resistance. ### Which university did Izz al-Din al-Qassam attend for his education? - [x] Al-Azhar University - [ ] University of Damascus - [ ] Baghdad University - [ ] University of Jerusalem > **Explanation:** Izz al-Din al-Qassam received his education at al-Azhar University in Cairo. ### Which year marks the birth of Qassam? - [x] 1882 - [ ] 1875 - [ ] 1890 - [ ] 1901 > **Explanation:** Izz al-Din al-Qassam was born in 1882 in Jableh, Syria. ### What was Qassam's birthplace? - [x] Jableh - [ ] Aleppo - [ ] Damascus - [ ] Beirut > **Explanation:** He was born in the coastal town of Jableh, Syria. ### In addition to Zionist forces, Qassam also resisted against which authority? - [x] British - [ ] French - [ ] Ottoman - [ ] Russian > **Explanation:** Qassam organized resistance against both the Zionist forces and British authorities. ### Which organization named its militant arm after Qassam? - [x] Hamas - [ ] PLO - [ ] Hezbollah - [ ] Al-Qaeda > **Explanation:** The Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas are named in honor of Izz al-Din al-Qassam. ### During which revolt were al-Qassam's followers prominently active? - [x] Palestinian Arab Revolt (1936-39) - [ ] Egyptian Revolution (1919) - [ ] First Intifada (1987-1993) - [ ] Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962) > **Explanation:** Followers of Izz al-Din al-Qassam were prominently active during the Palestinian Arab Revolt of 1936-39. ### Which term describes striving for a praiseworthy aim, especially in a religious context? - [x] Jihad - [ ] Zakฤt - [ ] Shahada - [ ] Sawm > **Explanation:** Jihad means striving or struggling, often with a praiseworthy aim, including but not limited to holy war.

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.”

Saturday, July 6, 2024

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