Harakat al-Tawhid al-Islami

Harakat al-Tawhid al-Islami

Definition

Harakat al-Tawhid al-Islami (الحركة التوحيد الإسلامي), also known as the Islamic Unity Movement, is a militant Sunni movement that emerged during the early 1980s in Tripoli, Lebanon, amidst the Lebanese civil war and following the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: الحركة التوحيد الإسلامي
• Turkish: İslami Birlik Hareketi

Historical Overview

The movement was significantly influenced by the regional and global political landscape of the late 20th century, notably inspired by the Islamic Revolution in Iran. It drew support from various radical elements, including connections with Iranian authorities, certain Egyptian religious leaders, and Hizb Allah (Hezbollah).

Goals and Ideals

Harakat al-Tawhid al-Islami aimed to establish an Islamic state through a revolutionary process that closely followed the Iranian model. The movement’s ideological framework was characterized by a twofold emphasis:

1. Establishment of an Islamic State: Reinstating the caliphate in Mecca to foster broader Muslim unity.
2. Individual and Social Morality: Transforming society through the enhancement of personal morality, which they considered foundational for a collective social transformation.

The movement preached the importance of Islamic ethics and individual righteousness as a means to drive social change, promoting an ideological alignment with broader goals of Islamic governance and unity.

Leadership and Decline

Shaykh Said Shaban, a prominent and influential figure, spearheaded the movement. However, Harakat al-Tawhid al-Islami faced significant internal and external opposition and suffered a major military defeat in October 1985. This setback notably weakened the movement’s influence and operational capacity.

Further Studies

For those interested in an in-depth understanding of Islamic movements, the following books and academic texts are recommended:

1. “The Iranian Revolution and the Resurgence of Islam” by Said Amir Arjomand.
2. “Islam and Politics” by Peter Mandaville.
3. “Contemporary Jihadi Movements” by Hassan Abbas.

Key Takeaways

• Harakat al-Tawhid al-Islami emerged in reaction to regional conflict and attempted to model itself after the Iranian Islamic revolution.
• The movement aimed to restore an Islamic caliphate and emphasized both personal morality and social transformation.
• Despite initial support and fervor, the movement’s influence drastically diminished following a decisive military defeat.

Conclusion

Harakat al-Tawhid al-Islami serves as a significant case study in the examination of militant Sunni movements and their sociopolitical ambitions during the latter part of the 20th century. Understanding the movement’s origins, objectives, and ultimate decline provides valuable insights into the broader landscape of revolutionary Islamic movements and their varied outcomes.

This comprehensive dictionary entry should provide a clear, detailed overview of Harakat al-Tawhid al-Islami for reference in the context of Islamic studies.