📖 Hawwa, Said: The Life of a Syrian Islamic Activist and Thinker

Explore the life and contributions of Hawwa, Said, a prominent Syrian Islamist activist and thinker. Evaluate his impact on Islamic thought and his significant role within the Muslim Brotherhood.

Definition and Meaning

Hawwa, Said - Said Hawwa (1935-1989) was a pivotal Syrian Islamist activist, esteemed for his profound contributions to Islamic thought and influential role within the Muslim Brotherhood. Born in the city of Hamah, he emerged as a distinguished Islamic thinker and writer, recognized particularly for his eleven-volume exegesis of the Quran and his extensive works on Sufism.

Etymology and Background

Etymology

Hawwa (حوّا) refers to his family’s surname, while Said (سعيد) means “happy” or “fortunate” in Arabic, a common given name in the Arab world.

Early Life and Education

Born in Hamah, Syria, in 1935, Said Hawwa pursued his education earnestly. He graduated with a law degree from the University of Damascus in 1961, a notable accomplishment that seamlessly intertwined his educational journey with his burgeoning passion for religious and political activism. His entry into the Muslim Brotherhood during the mid-1950s marked the beginning of an illustrious yet turbulent career.

Historical Facts and Dates

  1. 1950s: Joined the Muslim Brotherhood in Hamah.
  2. 1961: Graduated with a law degree from the University of Damascus.
  3. 1964: Participated in key protests against secular rule in Hamah.
  4. 1968: Released his first book, earning recognition as an Islamic thinker.
  5. 1973: Persuaded the ulama to oppose the secularist constitution, resulting in a five-year imprisonment.
  6. 1978: Released from prison; moved to Jordan and spent the remainder of his life in exile.
  7. 1982: Removed from Muslim Brotherhood leadership following governmental crackdown.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

Said Hawwa’s Y rigorous academic and religious pursuits reflect traditional Islamic scholarship, which venerates knowledge and jurisprudence. His activism within the socio-political spectrum echoes a widespread struggle in many Islamic countries against secular governance systems, similar to other historical movements in Egypt, Pakistan, and Iran.

Synonyms

  • Islamic Scholar: Reflecting his intellectual pursuits.
  • Activist: Representing his fervent engagement in socio-political issues.
  • Muslim Brotherhood: A significant tie to his political life.
  • Quran Exegesis (Tafsir): Highlighting his scholarly contributions.
  • Sufism: A major facet of his theological discourse.

Exciting Facts

  1. Said Hawwa’s time in jail was marked by prolific writing, notably transforming his imprisonment into a productive period of scholarship.
  2. His exegesis of the Quran is considered a monumental work, appreciated for its thoroughness and spiritual insight.
  3. Despite a fervent oppositional stance against secularism, Hawwa remains a poignant figure in modern Islamic thought, appreciated for his intellectual legacy.

Inspirational Quotations

“Knowledge is light and forgetfulness is darkness.” - Said Hawwa, encapsulating the Islamic view on the indispensable role of knowledge.

Literature and Further Studies

  • “Jund Allah: An Inclusive Framework for Islamic Action” by Said Hawwa
  • “Obedience in Islam” by Said Hawwa
  • “Foundations of Muslim Unity: Analysis of Contemporary Religious Movements” by Ibrahim M. Abu-Rabi'

Inspirational Thought

“Despite the adversities and uncertainties, intellectual perseverance fuels our quest for truth and justice. Let Said Hawwa’s life remind us of the enduring spirit of seeking knowledge and striving for communal harmony.”

### What is the primary accomplishment of Said Hawwa’s scholarly work? - [ ] A prominent leadership role within Syrian government. - [x] Eleven-volume Quran exegesis. - [ ] Translation of Hadith literature. - [ ] Writing secular fiction. > **Explanation:** Said Hawwa is particularly renowned for his comprehensive eleven-volume exegesis of the Quran, marking a significant contribution to Islamic scholarship. ### In which country did Said Hawwa spend his final years in exile? - [ ] Egypt - [x] Jordan - [ ] Turkey - [ ] Saudi Arabia > **Explanation:** Post his release from prison, Said Hawwa left Syria and lived out his remaining years in Jordan. ### Which year marks the publication of his first book? - [ ] 1954 - [ ] 1968 - [x] 1968 - [ ] 1973 > **Explanation:** Said Hawwa’s reputation as an Islamic thinker began with the publication of his first book in 1968. ### Said Hawwa earned his law degree from which university? - [ ] University of Baghdad - [ ] University of Cairo - [x] University of Damascus - [ ] University of Aleppo > **Explanation:** He earned his law degree from the University of Damascus in 1961. ### What was the duration of Said Hawwa’s imprisonment resulting from his opposition to the secularist constitution? - [ ] Two years - [x] Five years - [ ] Ten years - [ ] Fifteen years > **Explanation:** Said Hawwa was imprisoned for five years due to his active opposition to the secularist constitution of Syria. ### To which movement did Said Hawwa belong? - [x] Muslim Brotherhood - [ ] Jamaat-e-Islami - [ ] Wahhabi Movement - [ ] Salafi Jihad > **Explanation:** He was a prominent member of the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria. ### During which year was Said Hawwa removed from the leadership of the Muslim Brotherhood? - [ ] 1968 - [ ] 1978 - [x] 1982 - [ ] 1990 > **Explanation:** Following the Syrian government's fierce suppression of the Muslim Brotherhood, Said Hawwa was removed from its leadership in 1982. ### What marked Hawwa’s literary output during his imprisonment? - [ ] Writing fiction novels. - [x] Writing books on Sufism and Quran exegesis. - [ ] Political treatises. - [ ] Legal studies. > **Explanation:** During his time in prison, Said Hawwa wrote extensively on Sufism and completed an eleven-volume exegesis of the Quran.

Farewell, dear reader. Embrace the quest for knowledge and justice inspired by pioneers like Said Hawwa. Stay prepared to light the path for future generations.

— Ibrahim Al-Yusuf

Saturday, July 6, 2024

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