Said Hawwa (1935-1989)
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: سعيد حوّى (Sa‘īd Ḥawwā)
- Turkish: Said Hawva
Biography
Early Life and Education
Said Hawwa was born in 1935 in Hamah, Syria. He pursued an education in law and graduated from the University of Damascus in 1961. His deep-rooted commitment to Islam and Syrian nationalism led him towards substantial participation in the Islamist movements.
Involvement with the Muslim Brotherhood
In the mid-1950s, Said Hawwa joined the Muslim Brotherhood in Hamah. His charisma and keen understanding of Islamic ideology facilitated his rapid rise within the organization’s ranks. By the 1960s, he became a leading figure within the movement. Hawwa actively participated in the 1964 protests against secular rule in Hamah, demonstrating his opposition to secular governance in Syria.
Literary Contributions and Imprisonment
Said Hawwa gained prominence as an Islamic thinker with the publication of his first book in 1968. His writings focused on Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and Sufism, significantly influencing contemporary Islamic thought. In 1973, his efforts to unite the ulama (Islamic scholars) against the secularist constitution resulted in his imprisonment for five years. During his incarceration, he authored an eleven-volume exegesis of the Qur’an and several books on Sufism.
Exile and Later Life
Released from prison in 1978, Hawwa left Syria for Jordan, living the remainder of his life in exile. In 1982, following the Syrian government’s effective repression of the Muslim Brotherhood, he was expelled from the movement’s leadership. Despite this setback, he continued to exert influence through his writings and lectures until his death in 1989.
Contributions to Islamic Thought
Exegesis and Sufism
Said Hawwa’s most notable scholarly contributions include his comprehensive eleven-volume exegesis of the Qur’an and numerous works on Sufism. These writings reflect a deep spiritual longing and a rigorous academic approach to Islamic theology and law. His work provides valuable insights into the synthesis of Sufi spirituality and Islamist activism.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Said Hawwa remains a significant figure in contemporary Islamic thought and political activism. Despite the challenges of imprisonment and exile, he made notable contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and Sufi thought. His life is a testament to the intricate relationship between Islamic scholarship and political activism in modern Muslim history.
Further Studies
For those interested in exploring the life and work of Said Hawwa, the following books and resources are recommended:
- “Islamic Awakening Between Two Discords” by Said Hawwa
- “Al-Mustakhlas Fi Tazkiyat Al-Anfus” by Said Hawwa
- “The Muslim Brotherhood: The Burden of Tradition” by Alison Pargeter
- “Liberation Theology: Islam and the Freudian Left” by Salah el-Din A. M. Amer
In conclusion, Said Hawwa’s life and scholarly endeavors offer substantial insights into the complexities of Islamic activism, the spiritual depth of Sufism, and the broader dynamics of political movements in the modern Muslim world.
