Hizb-i Wahdat

Hizb-i Wahdat

Etymology

The term “Hizb-i Wahdat” is derived from Arabic (حزب وحدة), where ḥizb means ‘party’ and waḥda translates to ‘unity’. In Turkish, it is “Vahdet Partisi”.

Historical Overview

Created in 1990 by Shaykh Ali Mazari in Afghanistan, Hizb-i Wahdat originally held a radical and ideological stance rooted in Shii Islam. Over time, especially during the tumultuous period of the Afghan Civil War, the party’s focus shifted towards ethnicity, strongly representing the interests of the Shii Hazara ethnic group.

Political Evolution

Originally advocating for fundamental Islamic reforms, Hizb-i Wahdat’s agenda transitioned to emphasize the socio-political rights of Hazaras. The party maintained an ideological belief in the implementation of Islamic law but opposed an overarching Islamic revolution. Their political pragmatism led them to form tactical alliances, notably with Persian-speaking Sunni factions under the command of Ahmad Shah Massoud.

See Also

• Afghanistan: Context for the civil war and political factions.
• Islam in Afghanistan: The broader Islamic landscape within Afghanistan.
• Shii Islam: Doctrinal foundations influencing Hizb-i Wahdat’s ideology.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future” by Vali Nasr - Offers insight into the broader Shii mobilization.
2. “Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History” by Thomas Barfield - Provides necessary context around Afghanistan’s socio-political landscape and the emergence of factions like Hizb-i Wahdat.
3. “Mecca and Main Street: Muslim Life in America after 9/11” by Geneive Abdo - Although focused on a different geography, Abdo’s work clarifies the nuances of political Islam which can be reflective in understanding groups like Hizb-i Wahdat.

Takeaways

Hizb-i Wahdat signifies the complex intersection of ethnicity, religion, and politics in Afghanistan. From an outset radical Shii agenda under Shaykh Ali Mazari, it evolved to represent the Shii Hazara ethnic group’s rights and interests, innovatively employing alliances based on pragmatic politics rather than rigid ideological followers.

Conclusion

Hizb-i Wahdat’s trajectory underscores the adaptive nature of political movements within volatile and ethnically diverse contexts like Afghanistan. It presents an interplay between foundational Islamic principles and realpolitik, reflecting broader themes in both Islamic and global political landscapes.

For comprehensive understanding, it’s crucial to study related historical and theological frameworks, reinforcing the importance of cross-referencing within Islamic and Afghan political histories.