Harakah
Definition
Harakah (Arabic: حركة) is a term widely used to denote political parties, liberation movements, and other social phenomena within the Islamic world. The plural form is ḥarakāt (حركات). Various political and social movements often adopt this term in their names to signify their purpose and direction.
Examples
Several notable movements use the term Harakah in their names:
- Harakat al-Tahrir al-Islami (حركة التحرير الإسلامي): Islamic Liberation Movement in Sudan.
- Harakati Inqilab (حرکتی انقلاب): Revolutionary Movement in Afghanistan.
- Harakat al-Tawhid (حركة التوحيد): Unity Party in Palestine.
- Al-Harakat al-Niswiyah (الحركات النسوية): The Women’s Movement.
Etymology
The word “Harakah” stems from the Arabic root “ḥ-r-k” (حرك), which means “to move.” The connotation encompasses physical movement, political activism, and social change.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: حركة (Harakah)
- Turkish: Hareket
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- Social Movements in the Islamic World by Charles Kurzman.
- Islam and Social Change by Altan `Uylkan.
- Political Islam: Theory, Initiation, Bewegung by Morteza Montez, emphasizing the crisis and how Harakah impacts the wider socio-political landscape.
- Liberation Theology within Islam by Asma Barlas, examining how movement dynamics have shaped modern Islamic thought.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Harakah is a crucial term in understanding political and social movements in Islam.
- It signifies active engagement, whether in political, revolutionary, or social contexts.
- Examining various harakat provides insights into the dynamic nature of Islamic societies.
The term “Harakah” thus encompasses much more than its literal translation implies, serving as a linchpin for activism, political upheaval, and social reform in various Islamic contexts.
