Hizb al-Tahrir al-Islami
Definition
Hizb al-Tahrir al-Islami - The Islamic Liberation Party. Founded in Jerusalem in 1953 by Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani and former members of the Muslim Brotherhood. The party aims to revive the Islamic nation and purge it of residual effects of colonialism by re-establishing the classical caliphate and traditional Islamic institutions as the only legitimate form of Islamic government. Hizb al-Tahrir emphasizes the implementation of traditional Islamic law and operates primarily in the political and intellectual spheres. It has seen restricted successes and faced significant governmental suppression throughout the Middle East.
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: حزب التحرير الإسلامي (Hizb al-Tahrir al-Islami)
- حِزْب (Hizb) - party
- التَّحْرِير (al-Tahrir) - liberation
- الإسْلَامِي (al-Islami) - Islamic
- Turkish: İslami Kurtuluş Partisi
Historical Background
Founded in 1953 by Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani, Hizb al-Tahrir al-Islami emerged as a response to colonial influences in the Muslim world. The party’s inception was rooted in the belief that the restoration of an authentic Islamic government in the form of a caliphate is essential for the revival of the Islamic ummah (community). Despite early initiatives in Jordan and the West Bank, the group faced repression in 1957 and particularly challenging setbacks throughout the subsequent decades.
Activities and Influence
Hizb al-Tahrir al-Islami’s activities are primarily within the political and intellectual domains:
- Political Aspirations: The party seeks a global caliphate and promotes political coups in countries like Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and Syria (notable attempts in 1968, 1969, 1972, 1974, and 1976).
- Intellectual Engagement: The party disseminates its ideology through literature, discussions, and public talks without engaging in social, religious, or educational programs.
Books for Further Study on Hizb al-Tahrir al-Islami
- “Islamic Revivalism: Encounter the Modern World” by Hamid Enayat
- “Radical Islam and International Security” edited by Richard L. Russell
- “The Caliphate: Its Rise, Decline, and Revival” by Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani
Takeaways
- Hizb al-Tahrir al-Islami focuses on reviving the Islamic caliphate as the authentic form of Islamic government.
- It has faced significant government suppression but continues to promote its ideology primarily through intellectual and political efforts.
- The organization foregoes social, religious, or educational engagements, emphasizing political and intellectual mobilization.
Conclusion
Hizb al-Tahrir al-Islami represents a fervent desire within a specific segment of the Muslim community to restore the caliphate and adopt traditional Islamic governance structures. Despite the considerable governmental opposition and limited historical success, its persistence in intellectual and political realms indicates a continuing impact on broader Islamic political thought.
See Also
- Caliphate
- Political Islam
- Islamic Law (Sharia)
- Muslim Brotherhood
By understanding the historical context, activities, and doctrines espoused by Hizb al-Tahrir al-Islami, one gains comprehensive insights into the group’s enduring role and influence in the realm of political Islam.