Hizb Allah (Lebanon)
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: Hizb Allah (حزب الله) translates to “Party of God” in Arabic. In Turkish, it is also referred to as “Hizbullah”.
- Arabic: حزب الله
- Turkish: Hizbullah
Founding and Objectives
Hizb Allah, commonly known as Hezbollah in Western contexts, is a political and social movement founded in the early 1980s with the primary aim of transforming Lebanon into an Islamic state. During this time, Lebanon was embroiled in civil war, and Hizb Allah emerged as a response to both internal and external pressures.
Support Base
The primary groups of supporters are:
- Large Shia clans in the Bekaa Valley.
- Shia refugees who were displaced by the civil war and settled in the slums of southern Beirut.
Hizb Allah’s supporters strongly identify with the Palestinians and harbor deep resentment towards Israel.
Political Influence
Hizb Allah rapidly evolved into a major political force by the late 1980s. This evolution was underscored by its strong stance against Western and Israeli influence in Lebanon. Notably, in 1985, the organization declared a jihad (جهاد) to end American and French influence in Lebanon and to ensure the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. They also desired the downfall of the Lebanese Phalangists and supported the right of the Lebanese people to choose their own governance system.
Key Figures
- Spiritual Leader: Shaykh Muhammad Husayn Fadlallah, despite not holding a formal office within the organization, is recognized as its spiritual guide.
Activities and Branches
- The movement’s violent activities were conducted by a clandestine branch known as Islamic Jihad.
- Hizb Allah gained international notoriety during the 1980s for its attacks against American, French, and Israeli forces, as well as for holding Western hostages.
Social and Economic Influence
With significant assistance from Iran, Hizb Allah has financed and managed a wide range of social, economic, and media projects in Lebanon, including a television station. This has bolstered its popularity and influence within the Shia community.
Parliamentary Involvement
Hizb Allah participated in Lebanon’s parliamentary elections in 1992. The party:
- Swept the Shia vote in the Bekaa Valley.
- Made a credible showing in the southern regions.
In the parliament, Hizb Allah organized an opposition movement, frequently denouncing government negotiations with Israel.
Milestones
- Hizb Allah is credited with Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory in 2000, ending a 22-year occupation.
- Its members have since been hailed as national heroes.
Major Rival
- AMAL: Another prominent Shia movement in Lebanon; Hizb Allah has historically competed with AMAL for support among the Shia population.
For Further Study
- Books: To deepen your understanding of Hizb Allah’s role within Lebanon and its broader geopolitical impact, consider reading:
- “Hezbollah: A Short History” by Augustus Richard Norton
- “Understanding Hezbollah: The Hegemony of Resistance” by Eitan Azani
- “Hizbullah: The Story From Within” by Naim Qassem
Takeaways and Conclusion
Hizb Allah has played a pivotal role in the political and social landscape of Lebanon since its inception in the 1980s. Originating as a resistance movement during the Lebanese civil war, it transformed into a complex organization with significant military, political, and social facets. From its advocacy for Shia interests and resistance against Israeli occupation to its involvement in parliamentary politics, Hizb Allah remains a key actor in the Middle Eastern geopolitical scene.
In conclusion, the study and understanding of Hizb Allah offer vital insights into the interplay of religion, politics, and social dynamics in Lebanon and the broader Middle East.
