The Palestinian Hamas: Appendix 2

The Palestinian Hamas: Vision, Violence, and Coexistence

Shaul Mishal and Avraham Sela

2000

Appendix 2: The Charter of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas)

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate. ₁

Ye are the best nation that hath been raised up unto mankind: ye command that which is just, and ye forbid that which is unjust, and ye believe in Allah. And if they who have received the scriptures had believed, it had surely been the better for them: there are believers among them, but the greater part of them are transgressors. They shall not hurt you, unless with a slight hurt; and if they fight against you, they shall turn their backs to you, and they shall not be helped. They are smitten with vileness wheresoever they are found; unless they obtain security by entering into a treaty with Allah, and a treaty with men; and they draw on themselves indignation from Allah, and they are afflicted with poverty. This they suffer, because they disbelieved the signs of Allah, and slew the prophets unjustly; this, because they were rebellious, and transgressed. (Sura 3, al `Imran, vv. 109–111)

Israel will be established and will stay established until Islam nullifies it as it nullified what was before it. (The martyred Imam Hasan al-Banna, may Allah have mercy on him)

Indeed, the Islamic world is burning, therefore it is obligatory on every one to put a little of it out so he can extinguish what he is able to do without waiting for anyone else. (Sheikh Amjad al-Zahawee, may Allah have mercy on him)

Introduction

In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate, all praise is to Allah. We seek his aid, forgiveness, and guidance, and on him do we rely. We send peace and blessings to Allah’s messenger—his family, companions, those who follow him, called with his message, and adhered to his way—may the blessing and peace be continued for as long as the heavens and earth last. And after.

O People:
From the midst of troubles, from the sea of suffering, from the beats of believing hearts and emasculated arms, out of the sense of duty, and in response to the decree of Allah, the call has gone out rallying people together and making them follow the ways of Allah so that they will fulfill their role in life, overcome all obstacles, and surmount the difficulties on the way. Our preparation has been constant and so has our readiness to sacrifice life and all that is precious, for the sake of Allah.

Thus it was that the seed [of the movement] was formed and began to travel through this tempestuous sea of hopes and expectations, wishes and yearnings, troubles and obstacles, pain and challenges, both inside and outside.

When the idea matured, the seed grew, and the plant rooted in the soil of reality, away from passing emotions and hateful haste, and the Islamic Resistance Movement emerged to carry out its role, struggling (mujahida) for the sake of its Lord. The movement joined hands with all the warriors (mujahidin) who are striving to liberate Palestine. The souls of its fighters joined all the souls of the fighters who have sacrificed their lives on the soil of Palestine ever since it was conquered by the companions of the Messenger of Allah—may Allah’s prayers and peace be with him—until this very day.

This covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS) ₂ has taken shape, unveiling its identity, stating its position, clarifying its expectations, discussing its hopes, and calling for aid, support, and additions to its ranks. Our battle with the Jews is very long and dangerous, requiring the dedication of all of us. It is a phase that must be followed by succeeding phases, a battalion that must be supported by battalion after battalion of the divided Arab and Islamic world until the enemy is vanquished and the victory of Allah is sure.

Thus we shall see them approaching over the horizon.

And you shall learn about it hereafter. (Sura 38, al-Sadd, v. 88)

Allah hath written, Verily I will prevail, and my apostles: for Allah is strong and mighty. (Sura 58, al-Mujadila, v. 107)

Say to them, This is my way: I invite you unto Allah, by an evident demonstration: both I and he who followeth me; and, praise be unto Allah! I am not an idolator. (Sura 12, Yusuf, v. 107)

Nevertheless, Hamas’s institutional landscape and its structure indicate that the movement suffered from intrinsic limitations in ensuring a viable base of support for its strategy of political adjustment. If Hamas did succeed in turning to pragmatic action without being seriously hurt by accusations of deviating from Islamic dogma and Palestinian nationalist norms, this would be the result of the surrounding political environment rather than Hamas’s own institutional capabilities. Arguably, then, far-reaching developments in the region’s political environment and significant local changes might weaken Hamas’s ability to maintain a strategy of political adjustment and pragmatic thinking.

Chapter One: Introduction to the Movement

Ideological Origins

Article 1
The basis of the Islamic Resistance Movement is Islam. From Islam it derives its ideas and its fundamental precepts and view of life, the universe, and humanity; and it judges all its actions according to Islam and is inspired by Islam to correct its errors.

The Islamic Resistance Movement’s Connection to the Society of the Muslim Brotherhood

Article 2
The Islamic Resistance Movement is one of the wings [chapters] of the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine. The Muslim Brotherhood Movement is a world organization, one of the largest Islamic movements in the modern era. It is characterized by profound understanding, precise notions, and a total comprehension of all Islamic concepts in all domains of life: views and beliefs, politics and economics, education and society, jurisdiction and law, exhortation and teaching, communication and art, the seen and the unseen, and in all the other spheres of life.

Structure and Formation

Hamas’s emphasis on a popular uprising and controlled violence to mobilize the people required a structure based on vertical relations and a hierarchical chain of command. Moreover, Hamas’s goal of political domination and normative hegemony led to its expansion from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank. To the intensified mass action that characterized the Intifada, Hamas responded with more bureaucracy and a more formal structure than the pre-Intifada al-Mujamma` al-Islami featured.

Structure and Formation

Article 3
The Islamic Resistance Movement consists of Muslims who have devoted themselves to Allah and truly worshiped him—“I have created the jinn and humans only for the purpose of worshiping” [of Allah]—and who have known their obligation toward themselves, their people, and country. In all that, they have feared Allah and raised the banner of Jihad in the face of the oppressors, in order to extricate the country and the people from the [oppressor’s] filth, impurity, and evil.

But we will oppose truth to vanity, and it shall confound the same; and behold, it shall vanish away. (Sura 21, al-Anbiya', v. 18)

Article 4
The Islamic Resistance Movement welcomes all Muslims who adopt its belief and ideology, enact its program, keep its secrets, and desire to join its ranks in order to perform its obligations. Allah will reward them.

The Islamic Resistance Movement’s Conceptions of Time and Space

Article 5
Because the Islamic Resistance Movement adopts Islam as it way of life, its historical conception extends back as far as the birth of the Islamic message, of the Righteous Ancestors (al-Salaf al-Salih). [Therefore], Allah is its goal, the Prophet is its model, and the Qur'an is its constitution. Its spatial conception extends wherever Muslims—who adopt Islam as their way of life—are found, in any place on the face of the earth. Thus, it reaches both the depths of the earth and the highest spheres of heavens.

Dost thou not see how Allah putteth forth a parable; representing a good word, as a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed in the earth, and whose branches reach unto heaven; which bringeth forth its fruit in all seasons, by the will of its Lord? Allah propoundeth parables unto men, that they may be instructed. (Sura 14, Ibrahim, vv. 24–25)

Uniqueness and Independence

Article 6
The Islamic Resistance Movement is a unique Palestinian movement. It owes its loyalty to Allah, derives from Islam its way of life, and strives to raise the banner of Allah over every inch of Palestine. Under the shadow of Islam, it is possible for followers of all religions to coexist in safety and with security for their lives, property, and rights. In the absence of Islam, strife arises, oppression and destruction are rampant, and wars and battles take place.

How eloquent was the Muslim poet, Muhammad Iqkbal, ₃ when he said

When faith is lost, there is no security There is no life for those who have no faith And whoever is satisfied with life without religion Then he would have let annihilation be his companion for life.

The Universality of the Islamic Resistance Movement

Article 7
Because of the [wide] distribution of Muslims who have adopted the doctrine of the Islamic Resistance Movement throughout the world, working to support it, taking its positions, and reinforcing its Jihad, the movement is a universal one. It has wide appeal because of the clarity of its thought, the nobility of its goal, and the loftiness of its objectives.

It is on this basis that the movement should be viewed, given a fair evaluation and acknowledgment of its role. Whoever denies its rights or avoids supporting it or is so blind as to hide its role is challenging fate (qadr) itself. And whoever closes his eyes to reality, whether intentionally or not, will wake up to find himself overtaken by the events and will have no excuse to justify his position. The reward is for those who are early comers.

Oppression by one’s next of kin is more painful to the soul than the assault of an Indian sword.

We have also sent down unto thee the book of the Koran with truth, confirming that scripture which was revealed before it; and preserving the same safe from corruption. Judge therefore between them according to that which Allah hath revealed; and follow not their desires, by swerving from the truth which hath come unto thee. Unto every of you have we given a law, and an open path; and if Allah had pleased, he had surely made you one people; but he hath thought fit to give you different laws, that he might try you in that which he hath given you respectively. Therefore strive to excel each other in good works; unto Allah shall ye all return, and then will he declare unto you that concerning which ye have disagreed. (Sura 5, al-Ma'ida, v. 48)

The Islamic Resistance Movement is one of the links in the chain of Jihad in the confrontation with the Zionist invasion. It is connected to and tied with the setting out of the martyr `Izz al-Din al-Qassam and his brethren the Mujahidin, of the Muslim Brothers, in 1936. ₄ And [the chain] continues to connect to and tie with another link of Jihad of the Palestinians, the Jihad and efforts of the Muslim Brotherhood in the war of 1948, ₅ and the Jihad operations of the Muslim Brotherhood in 1968 and after.

Even though the links have been far away from one another, and even though the obstacles, placed by those who revolve in the orbit of Zionism in the face of the Mujahidin, have rendered impossible the pursuit of Jihad; nevertheless, the Islamic Resistance Movement has been looking forward to fulfilling the promise of Allah, no matter how long that might take. The Prophet—Allah’s prayers and peace be with him—stated:

The Last Hour would not come until the Muslims fight against the Jews and the Muslims would kill them, and until the Jews would hide themselves behind a stone or a tree and a stone or a tree would say: Muslim or Servant of Allah[!] there is a Jew behind me; come and kill him; but the tree of Gharqad would not say it, for it is the tree of the Jews. (cited by al-Bukhari and Muslim) ₆

The Motto of the Islamic Resistance Movement

Article 8
Allah is its goal, the Prophet is its model, the Qur'an is its constitution, Jihad is its path, and death for the sake of Allah is its most coveted desire.

Chapter Two: Objectives

Motives and Objectives

Article 9
The Islamic Resistance Movement has evolved at a time when Islam has moved away from everyday life. Thus judgment has been upset, concepts have become confused, and values have been transformed; evil prevails, oppression and obscurity have become rampant, and cowards have turned into tigers. Homelands have been usurped, and people have been expelled and fallen on their face [in humiliation] everywhere on earth. The state of truth has disappeared and been replaced by the state of evil. Nothing has remained in its right place, for when Islam is absent from the scene, everything changes. These are the motives.

As for the objectives: fighting evil, crushing it, and vanquishing it so that truth may prevail; homelands will revert [to their rightful owners]; and calls for prayer will be heard from their mosques, proclaiming the institution of the Islamic state. Thus, people and things will return, each to their right place. And aid is sought from Allah.

And if Allah had not prevented men, the one by the other, verily the earth had been corrupted: but Allah is beneficent towards his creatures. (Sura 2, al-Baqara, v. 251)

Article 10
While the Islamic Resistance Movement is creating its own path, it provides a support for the deprived and a defense for all the oppressed, with all its might. It will spare no effort to establish the truth and defeat falsehood, by words and deeds, here and everywhere it can reach and have influence.

Chapter Three: Strategies and Means

Strategies of the Islamic Resistance Movement: Palestine Is an Islamic Endowment (waqf)

Article 11
The Islamic Resistance Movement believes that the land of Palestine is an Islamic Waqf [endowed] to all Muslim generations until the day of resurrection. It is not right to give up it or any part of it. Neither a single Arab state nor all the Arab states, neither a king nor a president, not all the kings or presidents, not any organization or all of them—be they Palestinian or Arab—have such authority, because the land of Palestine is an Islamic Waqf [endowed] to all Muslim generations until the day of resurrection. [So] who has the legitimate right to represent all Islamic generations until the day of resurrection?

This is the rule [of the land] in the Islamic Shari`a, and the same [rule] applies to any land that the Muslims have conquered by force, because at the time of conquest the Muslims consecrated it for all Muslim generations until the day of resurrection.

And so it was that when the leaders of the Muslim armies conquered Syria and Iraq, they sent for the caliph of the Muslims, `Umar Ibn al-Khattab, asking for his advice concerning the conquered lands: should they divide it among the troops or leave it for its owners or what? After consultations and discussions between the caliph of the Muslims, `Umar Ibn al-Khattab, and the companions of the Messenger of Allah—may Allah’s prayers and peace be with him—they decided that the land should remain in the hands of its owners to benefit from it and from its wealth. As for the guardianship of the land and the land itself, it should be considered as a Waqf [endowed] to Muslim generations until the day of resurrection. The ownership of the land by its owners [applies] only to its benefit, and this Waqf will endure as long as heaven and earth last. Any action taken in regard to Palestine in violation of this law of Islam, is null and void and will be taken back by its claimants.

Verily this is a certain truth. Wherefore praise the name of thy Lord, the great Allah. (Sura 56, al-Waqi`a, v. 95)

The Islamic Resistance Movement’s View of Homeland (watan) and Nationalism (wataniyya)

Article 12
According to the Islamic Resistance Movement, nationalism is part and parcel of its religious creed. Nothing is loftier or deeper in nationalism than [waging] a holy war (jihad) against the enemy and confronting him when he sets foot on the land of the Muslims. This becomes an individual obligation (fard `ayn) of every Muslim man and woman: the woman is allowed to fight the enemy [even] without her husband’s permission, and the slave without his master’s permission.

Nothing of the sort is to be found in any other system; this is an undoubted fact. Whereas other nationalisms consist of material, human, or territorial considerations, the Islamic Resistance Movement’s nationalism carries all of that plus all the more important divine factors, providing it with spirit and life, since it is connected with the origin of the spirit and life-giver, raising in the sky of the homeland the divine banner to connect earth to heaven with a strong bond. When Moses comes and throws his staff, indeed the magic and magician are nullified.

Now is the right direction manifestly distinguished from deceit: whoever therefore shall deny Tagut, and believe in Allah, he shall surely take hold on a strong handle, which shall not be broken; Allah is he who heareth and seeth. (Sura 2, al-Baqara, v. 256)

Peaceful Solutions, [Peace] Initiatives, and International Conferences

Article 13
[Peace] initiatives, the so-called peaceful solutions, and international conferences to resolve the Palestinian problem all contradict the beliefs of the Islamic Resistance Movement. Indeed, giving up any part of Palestine is tantamount to giving up part of its religion. The nationalism of the Islamic Resistance Movement is part of its religion, and it instructs its members to [adhere] to that and to raise the banner of Allah over their homeland as they wage their Jihad.

. . . for Allah is well able to effect his purpose; but the greater part of men do not understand. (Sura 12, Yusuf, v. 21)

From time to time, a call goes out to hold an international conference to search for a solution to the [Palestinian] problem. Some accept the idea, and others reject it for one reason or another, demanding the fulfillment of a condition or conditions [as a prerequisite] for agreeing to convene the conference and to participate in it. [But] the Islamic Resistance Movement—knowing the parties comprising the conference and their past and present attitudes toward the problems of the Muslims—does not believe that the conferences are capable of fulfilling the demands or restoring the rights of or doing justice to the oppressed. Those conferences are nothing but a means of enforcing the rule of the unbelievers in the land of the Muslims. And when did the unbelievers do justice to the believers?

But the Jews will not be pleased with thee, neither the Christians, until thou follow their religion; say, The direction of Allah is the true direction. And verily if thou follow their desires, after the knowledge which hath been given thee, thou shalt find no patron or protector against Allah. (Sura 2, al-Baqara, v. 120)

There is no solution to the Palestinian problem except by Jihad. The initiative, proposals, and international conferences are but a waste of time and sheer futility. The Palestinian people are too noble to have their future, rights, and destiny [subjected to] vanity. As the noble hadith states:

The people of Syria (Sham) are Allah’s whip on his earth. With them He takes revenge on whom He pleases of his worshipers. It is forbidden on their hypocrites to be ruling over their believers and they will die in anxiety and sorrow. (Told by al-Tabarani as traceable in the ascending order of tellers to the Prophet ₇ and by Ahmad whose chain of transmission is incomplete. ₈ But it is bound to be [a] true [hadith] for their stories are reliable, and Allah knows best.

The Three Circles

Article 14
The liberation of Palestine is bound to three circles: the Palestinian circle, the Arab circle, and the Islamic circle. Each one has a role to play in the struggle against Zionism and has duties to fulfill. It is a grave mistake and a horrendous [act of] ignorance to ignore any of these circles, for Palestine is an Islamic land where the first of the two Qiblas ₉ and the third holiest sanctuaries ₁₀ are located, as well as the [place] where the Prophet—may Allah’s prayers and peace be with him—ascended to heavens.

Praise be unto him who transported his servant by night, from the sacred temple [of Mecca] to the farther temple [of Jerusalem], the circuit of which we have blessed, that we might show him some of our signs; for Allah is he who heareth, and seeth [all things]. (Sura 17, al-Isra', v. 1)

In view of this state of affairs, the liberation [of Palestine] is an individual duty, binding on every Muslim wherever he may be. It is on this basis that the problem [of Palestine] should be viewed and every Muslim must know it.

When the problem is dealt with on this basis, when the full potential of the three circles is mobilized, then the current circumstances will change, and the day of liberation will be nearer.

Verily ye are stronger than they, by reason of the terror cast into their breasts from Allah. This, because they are not people of prudence. (Sura 59, Hashr, v. 13)

The Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine Is an Individual Obligation

Article 15
Once the enemies usurp some of the Muslim lands, Jihad becomes an individual obligation for every Muslim. In the confrontation with the usurpation of Palestine by the Jews, we must raise the banner of Jihad. This requires the propagation of Islamic consciousness among the people, on the local, Arab, and Islamic levels. It is necessary to spread the spirit of Jihad among the Umma, ₁₁ clash with the enemies, and join the ranks of the [Jihad] fighters.

The process of education must involve the `Ulama' as well as educators and teachers, and publicity and media men as well as the educated people and especially the youth of the Islamic movements and their scholars. Introducing fundamental changes into the educational curricula is necessary to cleanse them of the traces of the ideological invasion by orientalists and missionaries. Their invasion began overtaking the [Arab] region after the defeat of the Crusader armies by Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi [Saladin]. The Crusaders realized that it was impossible to defeat the Muslims unless they prepared for an ideological invasion that would confuse their [the Muslims’] thinking, stain their heritage, and discredit their ideals, after which a military invasion would take place. This was to pave the way for the imperialistic invasion, as in fact [General] Allenby ₁₂ declared upon entering Jerusalem: “Now the Crusades are over.” And [General] Gouraud ₁₃ stood at Salah al-Din’s grave, saying: “Here we have returned, O Salah al-Din.” Imperialism helped advance the ideological invasion and deepened its roots, and it continues to do so. All this led to the loss of Palestine.

We must instill in the minds of the generations of Muslims that the Palestinian cause is a religious one and should be dealt with on this basis. It [Palestine] includes Islamic shrines such as the al-Aqsa Mosque, which is linked to the Holy Mosque in Mecca in an inseparable bond as long as heaven and earth last, by the journey (isra') of the Messenger of Allah—may Allah’s prayers and peace be with him—to it, and his ascension (mi`raj) from it. ₁₄

To guard Muslims from infidels in Allah’s cause for one day is better than the world and whatever is on its surface, and a place in paradise as small as that occupied by the whip of one of you is better than the world and what ever is on its surface; and a morning’s or an evening’s journey which the worshiper [person] in Allah’s cause is better than the world and what is on its surface (told by al-Bukhari, Muslim, al-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Maja). ₁₅

^{By him in whose hand is Muhammad’s life, I love to be killed in the way of Allah then to be revived to life again, then to be killed and then to be revived to life and then to be killed (told by al-Bukhari and Muslim).

₁₆}

Education of the [Young] Generations

Article 16
We must give the [young] Islamic generations in our area an Islamic education based on the implementation of [our] religious precepts, a conscientious study of the Book of Allah, the study of the Prophetic narration (sunna), ₁₇ and the study of Islamic history and heritage from its reliable sources, under the guidance of experts and [Muslim] scholars and using a curriculum that will give Muslims the correct concept of thinking and faith. It is also necessary to study conscientiously the enemy and its material and human potential, to identify its weaknesses and strengths, and to recognize the powers that support it and stand by it. It is necessary too to be aware of current events, to follow the news and study analyses of and commentaries on it, as well as plan for the present and the future and examine every [new] phenomenon, so that the fighting (mujahid) Muslim will live his life aware of his purpose, objective, way, and what happens around him.

O my son, verily every matter, whether good or bad, though it be of the weight of a grain of mustard-seed, and be hidden in a rock, or in the heavens, or in the earth, Allah will bring the same to light; for Allah is clear-sighted and knowing. O my son, be constant at prayer, and command that which is just, and forbid that which is evil: and be patient under the afflictions which shall befall thee; for this is a duty absolutely incumbent on all men. Distort not thy face out of contempt to men, neither walk in the earth with insolence; for Allah loveth no arrogant, vain-glorious person. (Sura 31, Luqman, vv. 16–18)

The Role of the Muslim Woman

Article 17
The Muslim woman has a no lesser role than that of the Muslim man in the war of liberation; she is the manufacturer of men and plays a major role in guiding and educating the [new] generations. The enemies have realized her role, hence they think that if they can guide her and educate her in the way they wish, away from Islam, they will have won the war. Therefore, you can see them attempting to do this through the mass media and movies, education and culture and using as their intermediaries their craftsmen, who are part of Zionist organizations that assume various names and shapes, such as the [Free] Masons, Rotary Clubs, and espionage gangs, all of which are nests of saboteurs and sabotage. These Zionist organizations have vast material resources, which enable them to play their role amidst societies in an attempt to implement their Zionist goals and to introduce concepts that serve the enemy. These organizations operate [in places] where Islam is absent and is alienated from its people. Thus, Islamists should fulfill their role in confronting the schemes of these saboteurs. When Islam can control the life [of Muslims], it will eliminate those organizations, which are hostile to humanity and Islam.

Article 18
The woman in the fighting (mujahid) house and family, whether she is a mother or a sister, has the most important role in taking care of the home and raising the children according to Islamic concepts and values and educating her sons to observe the religious precepts in preparation for the duty of Jihad awaiting them. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the schools and curricula for Muslim girls so that they will become righteous mothers, [who are] aware of their role in the war of liberation.

[Women] must have the necessary awareness and understanding to manage their household. Economy and avoidance of waste in the household expenditures are prerequisites to [our] ability to continue the struggle in the arduous circumstances surrounding [us]. [Women] should always remember that money is equivalent to blood, which must not flow except in the veins, to ensure the continuity of life of both the young and the old.

Verily the Muslims of either sex, and the true believers of either sex, and the devout men, and the devout women, and the men of veracity, and the women of veracity, and the patient men, and the patient women, and the humble men, and the humble women, and the alms-givers of either sex who remember Allah frequently; for them hath Allah prepared forgiveness and a great reward. (Sura 33, al-Ahzab, v. 25)

The Role of Islamic Art in the War of Liberation

Article 19
Art has rules and criteria by which one can determine whether it is Islamic or Jahili ₁₈ art. One of the problems of Islamic liberation is that it needs Islamic art that can lift the spirit and does not emphasize one human aspect over the other but, rather, raises all aspects equally and harmoniously.

Man is a strange and miraculous being, [made up] of a handful of clay and a breath of soul. Islamic art addresses man on this basis, whereas Jahili art addresses the body and makes the element of clay paramount.

Hence, those books, articles, bulletins, orations, pamphlets, songs, poetry, hymns, plays, and the like that contain the characteristics of Islamic art are necessary for ideological mobilization, continuous nurturing on the journey, and relaxation of the soul. The road is long and the suffering is great, and the soul will be bored; [but] Islamic art renews the vigor, revives the movement, and arouses lofty concepts and correct conduct. “Nothing corrects the soul if it is deliberating but change from one situation to another.”

All this is a serious matter, not a jest, for the Umma fighting its Jihad knows no jest.

Social Solidarity

Article 20
The Muslim society is a society of solidarity. The Messenger—may Allah’s prayers and peace be with him—said, “How wonderful people are the Ash`aris. When they were under stress, either [while being] in residence or in travel, they would gather all their possessions and divide it up equally among themselves.”

It is this Islamic spirit that should prevail in every Muslim society. A society that confronts a vicious Nazi enemy in its conduct, who does not differentiate between man and woman, elder and young, ought to be the first to adorn itself with this Islamic spirit. Our enemy pursues the method of collective punishment, robbing people of their land and property, and chasing them into their [places in] exile and gathering. It resorted to breaking bones, firing on women, children, and old people, with or without reason, and to throwing thousands and thousands of people into detention camps where they must live in inhuman conditions. This is in addition to destroying homes, making children orphans, and imposing unjust sentences on thousands of young people, who must spend the best years of their life in the darkness of prisons.

The Nazism of the Jews includes [even] women and children; it terrorizes everyone. These Jews ruin people’s livelihoods, steal their money, and threaten their honor. In their horrible actions they treat people like the worst war criminals. Deportation from one’s homeland is a form of murder.

To oppose such actions, the people must band together in social solidarity and confront the enemy as one body, so that if one of its organs is hurt, the rest of the body will respond with alertness and fervor.

Article 21
Social solidarity means giving aid to the needy, both material or moral, or helping take certain actions. It is incumbent on the members of the Islamic Resistance Movement to look after the interests of the people in the [same] way they look after their own interests, sparing no effort in realizing and maintaining them. They should avoid doing anything that might damage the future or the society of the [younger] generations. The people are part of the movement and for the movement; its power is the [movement members’] power; and its future is their future. The members of the Islamic Resistance Movement should share the people’s joys and grief and comply with the demands of the people and anything likely to satisfy both its interests and theirs. With this spirit, [the movement and the people] will become more congenial, cooperation and compassion will prevail, they will become unified, and they will be stronger in the face of their enemy.

The Powers That Support the Enemy

Article 22
The enemy has been planning for a long time in order to achieve what it has [effectively] achieved, taking into account the elements affecting the current of events. It has accumulated huge and influential material wealth, which it devotes to realizing its dream. With this money, it has taken control of the world’s media, such as news agencies, the press, publishing houses, and broadcasting. With this money, it has ignited revolutions in various parts of the world with the purpose of fulfilling its interests and benefiting from them. It [the enemy] stood behind the French Revolution, the Communist revolution, and most of the revolutions we have heard and hear about, here and there. It is with this money that it has formed secret organizations throughout the world, in order to destroy societies and achieve the Zionists’ interests. Such organizations are the [Free] Masons, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, B'nai B'rith, and others. They all are destructive spying organizations. With this money, it [the enemy] has taken control of the imperialist states and persuaded them to colonize many countries in order to exploit their resources and spread their corruption there.

In regard to local and world wars, it has become common knowledge that [the enemy] was [the trigger] behind the [outbreak of] World War I, in which it realized the abolition of the state of the Islamic Caliphate. ₁₉ The enemy profited financially and took control of many sources of wealth, obtained the Balfour Declaration, and established the League of Nations in order to rule the world through that means. The enemy was also [the trigger] behind the [outbreak of] World War II, in which it made huge profits from trading war matériel and prepared for establishing its state. It inspired the formation of the United Nations and the Security Council instead of the League of Nations, in order to rule the world through them. No war broke out anywhere without its fingerprints on it.

So often as they shall kindle a fire for war, Allah shall extinguish it; and they shall set their minds to act corruptly in the earth, but Allah loveth not the corrupt doers. (Sura 5, al-Ma'ida, v. 64)

The imperialistic powers in both the capitalist West and the communist East support the enemy with all their might, in material and human terms, alternating their roles. When Islam is on the rise, the forces of unbelief unite to confront it, because the nation of the unbelievers is one.

O true believers, contract not an intimate friendship with any besides yourselves: they will not fail to corrupt you. They wish for that which may cause you to perish: their hatred hath already appeared from out of their mouths; but what their breasts conceal is yet more inveterate. We have already shown you signs of their ill will towards you, if ye understand. (Sura 3, Al `Imran, v. 118)

It is not in vain that the [preceding] verse ends with Allah’s words “if ye understand.”

Chapter Four: Our Position on [the Following]:

A. The Islamic Movements

Article 23
The Islamic Resistance Movement views the other Islamic movements with respect and appreciation. Even when it disagrees with them on a particular aspect or viewpoint, it agrees with them on other aspects and viewpoints. It considers these movements to be included in the category of Ijtihad ₂₀ as long as they have good intentions and devotion to Allah and as long as their conduct remains within the confines of the Islamic circle. Every Mujtahid has his reward.

The Islamic Resistance Movement considers all these movements as its own and asks Allah for guidance and righteous conduct for all. It shall not fail to continue raising the banner of unity, striving to realize it [based] on the Book and the Prophet’s tradition. ₂₁

And cleave all of you unto the covenant of Allah, and depart not from it, and remember the favour of Allah towards you: since ye were enemies, and he reconciled your hearts, and ye became companions and brethren by his favour: and ye were on the brink of a pit of fire, and he delivered you thence. Allah declareth unto you his signs, that ye may be directed. (Sura 3, Al `Imran, v. 102)

Article 24
The Islamic Resistance Movement does not allow the slandering or condemnation of individuals or groups, because a believer is not a slanderer or profaner. It is necessary, however, to differentiate between that and the positions and modes of conduct of individuals and groups. Thus, when a position or conduct is incorrect, the Islamic Resistance Movement has the right to point to the mistake, to warn against it, to insist on spelling out the truth and applying it to the given issue with impartiality. Wisdom is the object of the believer, and he ought to grasp it wherever he finds it.

Allah loveth not the speaking ill of anyone in public, unless he who is injured call for assistance; and Allah heareth and knoweth: whether ye publish a good action, or conceal it, or forgive evil, verily Allah is gracious and powerful. (Sura 4, al-Nisa', vv. 147–148)

B. Nationalist Movements in the Palestinian Arena

Article 25
[Hamas] respects them [nationalist movements] and appreciates their conditions and the factors surrounding and affecting them. It supports them as long as they do not give their allegiance to the Communist East or the Crusader West. It reassures all those who have joined them or sympathize with them that the Islamic Resistance Movement is a moral Jihad movement, aware of its view of life and its actions toward others. It abhors opportunism and only has good wishes for people, individuals and groups alike. It does not seek material gain or personal fame, nor does it ask for rewards from the people. It relies on its own resources and what is available to it, [as it is said]:

Therefore prepare against them what force ye are able . . . (Sura 8, al-Anfal, v. 60)

[All that] is for carrying out its duty and winning Allah’s favor. It has no ambition other than that.

All nationalist currents operating in the Palestinian arena for the liberation of Palestine may rest assured that [Hamas] is definitely and irrevocably [a source] of support and assistance to them, in both speech and action, at the present and in the future. [It is there to] unite, not to divide; to safeguard, not to squander; to bring together, not to fragment. It values every kind word, [every] devoted effort and commendable endeavor. It closes the door before marginal disagreements and does not listen to rumors and slanders, but at the same time it recognizes the right of self- defense.

Anything that runs contrary to or contradicts these orientations has been fabricated by the enemy or those who support it, with the purpose of sowing confusion, dividing the ranks, and entangling [us] in marginal issues.

O true believers, if a wicked man come unto you with a tale, inquire strictly into the truth thereof; lest ye hurt people through ignorance, and afterwards repent of what ye have done. (Sura 49, al-Hujurat, v. 6)

Article 26
Although the Islamic Resistance Movement views favorably those Palestinian nationalist movements that are not loyal to the East or West, it will not refrain from debating events, both local and international, regarding the Palestinian problem. [Such] an objective debate exposes the extent to which such events coincide with, or contradict, the national interest according to the Islamic viewpoint.

C. The Palestine Liberation Organization

Article 27
The Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO] is the movement closest to the Islamic Resistance Movement in that it consists of fathers, brothers, relatives, and friends. Can a Muslim turn away from his father, his brother, his relative, or his friend? Our homeland is one, our plight is one, our destiny is one, and our enemy is common to all of us.

Due to the circumstances that surrounded the formation of the organization [the PLO] and the ideological confusion that prevails in the Arab world as a result of the ideological invasion which has befallen the Arab world since the defeat of the Crusades and that has been intensified by orientalism, the [Christian] mission and imperialism, the organization has adopted the idea of a secular state, and this is how we view it. [But] secular thought ₂₂ is entirely contradictory to religious thought. Thought is the basis for positions, modes of conduct, and decision making.

Therefore, despite our respect for the Palestine Liberation Organization—and what it might become [in the future]—and without underestimating its role in the Arab-Israeli conflict, we cannot use secular thought for the current and future Islamic nature of Palestine. The Islamic nature of Palestine is part of our religion, and everyone who neglects his religion is bound to lose.

Who will be averse to the religion of Abraham, but he whose mind is infatuated? (Sura 2, al-Baqara, v. 130)

When the Palestine Liberation Organization has adopted Islam as its system of life, we will become its soldiers and the fuel of its fires that will burn the enemies. Until this happens—and we pray to Allah that it will be soon—the position of the Islamic Resistance Movement toward the Palestine Liberation Organization is that of a son toward his father, a brother toward his brother, and a relative toward his relative who suffers the other’s pain when a thorn hits him, who supports the other in his confrontation with the enemy and wishes him guidance and righteous conduct.

Your brother, your brother! He who has no brother is like one going to battle without a weapon. A cousin for man is like the best wings, and does the falcon take off without wings?

D. The Arab and Islamic States and Governments

Article 28
The Zionist invasion is a vicious one. It does not hesitate to take any road and resort to all despicable and repulsive means to fulfill its desires. In its infiltration and spying activities, it relies to a great extent on the clandestine organizations that it has established, such as the [Free] Masons, the Rotary Club and the Lions Club, and other spying groups. All those organizations, whether secret or open, operate in the interest of Zionism and under its direction. They aim to demolish societies, to destroy values, to violate consciences, to defeat virtues, and to annihilate Islam. It supports the drug and alcohol trade of all kinds in order to facilitate its control and expansion.

The Arab countries surrounding Israel are required to open their borders to the Mujahidin, the sons of the Arab and Islamic peoples, to enable them to fulfill their role and join their efforts with those of their brethren, of the Muslim brothers in Palestine.

The other Arab and Islamic states are required, at the very least, to help the Mujahidin move from and to them.

We must not fail to remind every Muslim that when the Jews conquered Noble Jerusalem in 1967, they stood on the doorstep of the blessed al-Aqsa Mosque and shouted with joy: “Muhammad has died, and left girls behind.”

Israel, by virtue of its being Jewish, and its Jews challenge Islam and the Muslims.

“So the eyes of the cowards do not sleep.”

E. Nationalist and Religious Associations, Institutions, Intellectuals, and the Arab and Islamic World

Article 29
The Islamic Resistance Movement hopes that the [nationalist and religious] associations will stand by it on all levels, support it, adopt its positions, promote its activities and actions, and solicit support for it, thereby making the Islamic peoples its backers and helpers, and enable it to enter all human and material domains as well as the media, in time and space. [This can be fulfilled] by convening solidarity conferences and issuing clarifying bulletins, supportive articles, and inspirational booklets to make the masses aware of the Palestinian problem, what it faces and what is being plotted against it. [They should] also mobilize the Islamic peoples, ideologically, educationally, and culturally, so that they can fulfill their role in the decisive war of liberation, [just] as they played their role in defeating the Crusades, routing the Tartars, and saving human civilization. And that is not difficult for Allah.

Allah hath written, Verily I will prevail, and my apostles: for Allah is strong and mighty. (Sura 58, al-Mujadila, v. 21)

Article 30
Writers, intellectuals, media people, preachers, teachers and educators, and all the various sectors in the Arab and Islamic world—all are called on to fulfill their role and to carry out their duty in view of the ferocity of the Zionist invasion, its infiltration into many countries, and its control of material and media means, with all the consequences thereof in most countries of the world.

Jihad is not confined to carrying arms and clashing with the enemy. The good word, the excellent article, the useful book, support, and aid—all that, too, is Jihad for the sake of Allah, as long as the intentions are sincere to make Allah’s banner paramount.

Whoever provided equipment to a raider for the sake of Allah, is [considered as if he] raided himself. And whoever effectively reared [such] a raider [by remaining with the] family, in fact raided himself. (Told by al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu-Dawud, and Al-Tirmidhi)

F. The Members of Other Religions: The Islamic Resistance Movement Is a Humanistic Movement

Article 31
The Islamic Resistance Movement is a humanistic movement. It cares about human rights and is committed to Islam’s tolerance of the followers of other religions. It is hostile only to those who are hostile toward it or stand in its way so as to impede its moves or frustrate its efforts.

In the shadow of Islam, it is possible for the followers of the three religions—Islam, Christianity, and Judaism—to coexist in safety and security. Safety and security are possible only in the shadow of Islam, and recent and ancient history is the best witness to that effect.

The followers of other religions must stop struggling with Islam over the domination of this region. Because if they were to dominate, there would be nothing but fighting, torture, and displacement; they would be disgusted with one another, to say nothing of the followers of other religions. The past and the present are full of evidence to that effect.

They will not fight against you in a body, except in fenced towns, or from behind walls. Their strength in war among themselves is great: thou thinkest them to be united; but their hearts are divided. This, because they are people who do not understand. (Sura 59, al-Hashr, v. 14)

Islam confers on everyone their rights and prevents aggression against the rights of others. The Nazi Zionist practices against our people will not last the lifetime of their invasion. “For the state of oppression [lasts] only one hour, [whereas] the state of justice [lasts] until the hour [of resurrection].”

As to those who have not borne arms against you on account of religion, nor turned you out of your dwellings, Allah forbiddeth you not to deal kindly with them, and to behave justly towards them; for Allah loveth those who act justly. (Sura 60, al-Mumtahina, v. 8)

The Attempt to Isolate the Palestinian People

Article 32
World Zionism and the imperialist forces have been attempting, by means of shrewd moves and careful planning, to remove the Arab states, one after the other, from the circle of conflict with Zionism, ultimately in order to have to deal with only the Palestinian people. Egypt has already been removed from the circle of the conflict, to a great extent through the treacherous Camp David accords, and it has been trying to drag other Arab states into similar agreements in order to remove them from the circle of the conflict.

The Islamic Resistance Movement calls on the Arab and Islamic peoples to make a serious and tireless effort to prevent the implementation of that horrible plan and to make the masses aware of the danger of retreating from the circle of conflict with Zionism. Today it is Palestine, and tomorrow it will be another country or other countries. For the Zionist scheme has no limits, and after Palestine it will strive to expand from the Nile to the Euphrates. When it has digested the region it has consumed, it will look to further expansion, and so on. This plan is outlined in the “Protocols of the Elders of Zion,” and [Zionism’s] present [conduct] is the best witness to what is said there.

Leaving the circle of conflict with Zionism is high treason and [will result in] a curse on its perpetrator.

For whoso shall turn his back unto them on that day, unless he turneth aside to fight, or retreateth to another party of the faithful, shall draw on himself the indignation of Allah, and his abode shall be hell; an ill journey shall it be thither. (Sura 8, al-Anfal, v. 16)

We must gather together all our forces and capabilities to confront this vicious, Nazi, Tartar invasion. Otherwise, we will lose our homelands, their inhabitants will lose their homes, corruption will spread throughout the earth, and all religious values will be destroyed. Let every person know that he is accountable to Allah.

And whoever shall have wrought good of the weight of an ant, shall behold the same. And whoever shall have wrought evil of the weight of an ant, shall behold the same. (Sura 99, al-Zalzala, vv. 7–8)

Within the circle of the conflict with Zionism, the Islamic Resistance Movement considers itself the spearhead or avant-garde. It joins all those who are active in the Palestinian arena. What is left to be done is continued action by the Arab and Islamic peoples and Islamic organizations throughout the Arab and Muslim world, for they are [best] prepared for the forthcoming round [of fighting] with the Jews, the traders of wars.

And we have put enmity and hatred between them, until the day of resurrection. So often as they shall kindle a fire of war, Allah shall extinguish it; and they shall set their minds to act corruptly in the earth, but Allah loveth not the corrupt doers. (Sura 5, al-Ma'ida, v. 64)

Article 33
The Islamic Resistance Movement starts out from these general concepts, which are consistent and in accordance with norms of the universe and flow in the stream of destiny in confronting and fighting the enemy in defense of the Muslim human being, the Islamic civilization, and the Islamic sanctuaries, foremost of which is the blessed Aqsa Mosque. [From this point of departure], it urges the Arab and Islamic peoples as well as their governments and their popular and official associations to fear Allah in their attitude toward and dealing with the Islamic Resistance Movement and to be, in accordance with Allah’s will, its supporters and partisans, extending to it assistance and aid until the rule of Allah is secure. [Then] the ranks will follow one another, Jihad fighters will join other Jihad fighters, and the masses will come forward from everywhere in the Islamic world in response to the call of duty, repeating: Come to Jihad! This call will tear apart the clouds in the skies, reverberating until liberation is realized, the invaders are vanquished, and Allah’s victory is assured.

And Allah will certainly assist him who shall be on his side for Allah is strong and mighty. (Sura 22, al-Hajj, v. 40)

Chapter Five: The Testimony of History

Confronting Aggressors Throughout History

Article 34
Since the dawn of history, Palestine has been the navel of the earth, the center of the continents, and the object of greed for the greedy. The Messenger—may Allah’s prayers and peace be with him—points to that fact in his noble Hadith in which he called on his venerable companion Ma`adh bin Jabal, saying, “O Ma`adh, Allah is going to conquer Syria for you, when I am gone, from al-`Arish ₂₃ to the Euphrates. Its men, women, and slaves will be frontier guards (murabitun) till the day of resurrection. Should any of you choose [to dwell] in one of the Syrian plains or Palestine, ₂₄ will be in [constant] Jihad to the day of resurrection.”

The greedy have coveted Palestine more than once, and they have raided it with armies to fulfill their aspirations. It was invaded by hoards of Crusaders carrying their faith and raising their cross. They were able to defeat the Muslims for a while, and for nearly two decades, the Muslims could not recover until they came under the shadow of their religious banner, unified their rule, glorified their Lord, and set out for Jihad under the leadership of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi. Then came the obvious conquest, the Crusades were vanquished, and Palestine was liberated.

Say unto those who believe not, Yet shall be overcome, and thrown together into hell; an unhappy couch shall it be. (Sura 3, Al `Imran, v. 12)

This is the only way to liberation. There is no doubt about the testimony of history. It is one of the rules of the universe and one of the laws of existence. Only iron can break iron, only the true faith of Islam can defeat their falsified and corrupt belief. Faith can be fought only by faith. Ultimately, victory rests with the truth, for truth is certainly victorious.

Our word hath formerly been given unto our servants the apostles; that they should certainly be assisted against the infidels, and that our armies should surely be the conquerors. (Sura 37, al-Saffat, vv. 171–172)

Article 35
The Islamic Resistance Movement views seriously the defeat of the Crusaders at the hand of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi and the rescue of Palestine from them, as well as the defeat of the Tartars at `Ain Jalut, breaking their backs at the hands of Qutuz and al-Dhahir Baybars and regaining the Arab world from the sweep of the Tartar, which destroyed all aspects of human civilization. [The movement] draws lessons and examples from all this. The current Zionist invasion was preceded by Crusader invasions from the West, and others, by Tartar invasions from the East. Just as the Muslims faced those invasions and planned how to fight and defeat them, they [now] can confront the Zionist invasion and defeat it. This is not difficult for Allah if [our] intentions are pure, if our determination is sincere, if the Muslims draw useful lessons from past experience, if they get rid of the vestiges of the ideological invasion [of the West], and if they heed the experience of their predecessors.

Conclusion

The Islamic Resistance Movement Is Soldiers

Article 36
While it moves forward, the Islamic Resistance Movement repeatedly reminds all the sons of our people and the Arab and Islamic peoples that it does not seek fame for itself, material gain, or social status. [The movement] is not directed against anyone of our people to compete with him or to take his place. Nothing of the sort at all. It will never be against any son of Muslims or [against] non-Muslims who are peaceful toward it, here or elsewhere. It will support only those associations and organizations operating against the Zionist enemy and those in league with it.

The Islamic Resistance Movement accepts Islam as a way of life. It is its faith and its [normative] standard. Whoever takes Islam as a way of life, whether it is here or there, be it a group, an organization, a state, or any other body, the Islamic Resistance Movement is its soldiers, nothing less.

We ask Allah to guide us and to guide [others] through us and to decide between us and our people with truth.

O Lord, do thou judge between us and our nation with truth; for thou art the best judge. (Sura 7, al-A`raf, v. 89)

Our last prayer is praise to Allah, the Lord of the universe.

Endnotes

Note 1: There is no official English version of Hamas charter. A translation by Muhammad Maqdsi in 1990 for the Islamic Association for Palestine, in Dallas, Texas, has since been considered a semiofficial one. For the full text of this version, see the Journal of Palestine Studies 22, 4 (Summer 1993): 122&-;134. We, however, have revised it, for the sake of clarity, fluidness, and precision. For another translated version of the charter, see Raphael Israeli, “The Charter of Allah: The Platform of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas),” in Y. Alexander, A. H. Foxman, and E. Mastrangelo (contibuting ed.), The 1988–1989 Annual on Terrorism (The Hague: Nijhoff, 1990), pp. 109–132. Unless otherwise mentioned, translations of quotations from the Qur'an (Koran) are from George Sale, The Koran, trans. into English from the original Arabic (London: Warne, n.d.). The only departure is the word God, which we have replaced with the word Allah. Back.

Note 2: Hamas means “force and bravery”: see al-Mu`jam al-Wasit, vol. 1 (original reference). Back.

Note 3: A prominent Indian-Muslim thinker and theologian. Back.

Note 4: `Izz al-Din al-Qassam was killed in November 1935 in a battle with British soldiers in northern Samaria. His disciples, however, adopted al-Qassam’s concept of jihad. They came to be known as Ikhwan al-Qassam, or Qassamiyyun and some of them played a leading role during the 1936–1939 Arab revolt in Palestine. History has been rewritten here, appropriating the heroic image of al-Qassam and his followers by referring to them as “Muslim Brothers”, a movement that did not yet officially exist in Palestine. Back.

Note 5: Members of the Muslim Brotherhood from Egypt, Syria, Sudan, and Libya who volunteered to fight against the Jews in support of the Palestinian Arabs, constituted the largest contingent of a single ideological movement that operated in the Palestine war of 1948. Back.

Note 6: Imam Muslim, Sahih Muslim, vol. 4, trans. Hamid Siddiki (Lahore: Sh. Muhammad Ashraf, 1976), p. 1510, hadith no. 6985 (according to Maqdsi’s translation of the charter, Journal of Palestine Studies 22 (4) (Summer 1993): 124. Back.

Note 7: Originally (Hadith) Marfu`. Back.

Note 8: Originally (Hadith) Mawquf. Back.

Note 9: Qibla is the direction in which Muslims face during prayer. The Muslims were first instructed to face Jerusalem in their prayers, apparently in an attempt to attract the Jews of Hijaz to the new faith. However, when this expectation was frustrated, the Prophet Muhammad ordered his followers to face Mecca in their prayers, reflecting the political and symbolic significance of this city to the peoples of Arabia. Back.

Note 10: Islam’s two holiest sanctuaries are located in Mecca and Medina. Back.

Note 11: Umma is the community of Muslim believers. Back.

Note 12: General Allenby was the chief commander of the Allied forces that conquered Palestine and Syria. For his alleged statement, see the next note. Back.

Note 13: General Gouraud was the first French high commissioner in Syria. Such arguments, relating the same statements to the British and French generals, had, until the 1960s, been repeatedly made by Arab nationalist spokesmen in their attacks on Western imperialism. Back.

Note 14: Referring to the verse in the Qur'an, cited in article 14 of the charter, about the Prophet’s night journey (Isra') from the Holy Mosque in Mecca to the al-Aqsa Mosque and his ascension (Mi`raj) from it to heaven. Back.

Note 15: Imam al-Bukhari, Sahih al-Bukhari, vol. 4, trans. M. M. Khan (Istanbul: Hilaal yayinlari), p. 91, hadith no. 142. The Hadith and reference are quoted in Maqdsi’s translation of the charter, Journal of Palestine 22 (4) (Summer 1993): 127. Back.

Note 16: Abdul Hamid Siddique, trans., Selections from Hadith (Kuwait: Islamic Book Publishers), p. 160. The hadith and reference are quoted in Maqdsi’s translation of the charter, ibid.. Back.

Note 17: Sunna is the Prophet Muhammad’s sayings and doings. Back.

Note 18: Jahiliyya is the term for the pre-Islamic era, which is usually depicted as one of idolatry, ignorance, darkness, lawlessness, and oppression, in diametric contrast to the revelation of Islam to the Prophet Muhammad. Back.

Note 19: Namely, the Ottoman Empire, which was carved up after its defeat in the war, followed by the abolition of the Islamic caliphate in 1924 by the Republican Turkish government headed by Kemal Pasha. Back.

Note 20: Ijtihad is either creative self-exertion to derive legislation from the shari`a (Islamic law)—a practice that ended in the thirteenth century—or, more likely, an effort for the sake of Allah and in dedication to him. Back.

Note 21: Namely, the Qur'an and the Sunna. Back.

Note 22: Al-`ilmaniyya—means no religiosity (la diniyya), secularism (original reference). The article refers to the acceptance by the PNC in 1969 of a decision supporting the establishment of a “secular and democratic state” over the whole territory of Palestine. Back.

Note 23: A town at the northeastern corner of the Sinai peninsula. Back.

Note 24: Originally, Bait al-Maqdis (Holy House). The term was used to denote Jerusalem and then Palestine as a whole. Back.