Hizb Allah (Iran)
Definition
Hizb Allah (Iran) – Hizb Allah (Persian: حزبالله) was a loosely formed, unofficial militant Iranian Shii organization of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s supporters, active primarily in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It played a vital role in organizing demonstrations and strikes that contributed to the downfall of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the consolidation of the new regime thereafter.
Etymology
The term “Hizb Allah” (حزب الله) translates to “Party of God” in Arabic, fitting the organization’s intent to establish an Islamic government under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini. In Turkish, it is translated as “Allah’ın Partisi.”
Formation and Activities
Hizb Allah was primarily composed of the urban poor, bazaar merchants (bazaari), and the working class. The group’s members orchestrated demonstrations and strikes that were pivotal in ending the Pahlavi monarchy. They adopted the slogan “Only one party, the Party of God; only one leader, Ruhollah,” signifying their unwavering allegiance to Khomeini.
Functions and Influence
- Political Role: Hizb Allah was crucial in the political upheaval, participating actively in the downfall of President Abol-Hasan Bani Sadr in 1981.
- Enforcement of Ideals: The party was known for closing universities, enforcing Islamic veiling (hijab), and silencing the opposition and press.
- Militant Action: Though often non-official in capacity, the organization sometimes resorted to violence to achieve its goals. Many of its members fought during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988).
- Support of Clerics: The party often functioned as a private militia serving powerful clerics within the new Islamic Republic.
- International Influence: Hizb Allah also supported the establishment of Hizb Allah in Lebanon, showing its international militant outreach.
Suggested Reading
For those interested in further studying Hizb Allah (Iran) and its role in the Iranian Revolution and subsequent periods, the following books are recommended:
- “Khomeini: Life of the Ayatollah” by Baqer Moin
- “The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future” by Vali Nasr
- “Revolutionary Iran: A History of the Islamic Republic” by Michael Axworthy
- “The Iranian Revolution: Then and Now” by Nikki R. Keddie
- “The Mantle of the Prophet: Religion and Politics in Iran” by Roy Mottahedeh
Takeaways and Conclusion
Hizb Allah in Iran represented a crucial faction that rallied the socio-political forces necessary to dismantle the Shah’s regime and quash opposing elements to Ayatollah Khomeini’s vision for an Islamic Republic. Their role underscored the influential potency of militant and grassroots movements in shaping modern Iranian history.
Hizb Allah’s contributions to formative events such as the Iranian Revolution, the enforcement of post-revolutionary policies, and their participation in the Iran-Iraq War highlight their importance beyond mere militancy, emphasizing their pivotal role in the political and social transformation of Iran.
