The Man Behind Hamas’s Military Wing and Its Resistance Ideology: Sheikh Izz ad-Din al-Qassam

Sheikh Izz ad-Din al-Qassam stands as the foundational figure behind what would become Hamas's modern-day military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades. Known for his use of grassroots methods, al-Qassam built a resistance movement rooted in Islamic values, with a strategy that not only changed the course of history but also spread jihadist ideals. 

The history of the Palestinian struggle remains complex, yet al-Qassam's ability to empower ordinary people through community-driven action created a unified belief system among his supporters, grounded in convincing arguments based on sunneistic views of Islam. The beliefe rooted int the sunni interpetation of Islam under al-Qassam, had layed the foundation that would later heavily influencing the structure and ideology of Hamas's military wing. Al-Qassam's resistance to colonial influence and foreign intervention was firmly anchored in his interpretation of sunni based Islamic principles, inspired the Great Revolt (1936–1939) and also led to the modern day military jihadist wing of terror organizations. 

Early Life and Influences

Born into a devout religous household in Jableh, Northwest Syria, during the Ottoman era, al-Qassam was raised in an environment steeped in Islamic tradition and belief. His father, a prominent leader in the Qadariyya Sufi order, instilled in him a deep commitment to the Quran and Sharia law from a young age. His grandfather reinforced these teachings, further grounding al-Qassam in his faith. During his early years, he dedicated himself to studying Islamic theology under the guidance of the well known Sheikh Salim Tayarah, a mentor whose interpretations of the Quran significantly shaped al-Qassam's character and worldview. 

This upbringing firmly rooted al-Qassam in Sunni Islam and profoundly influenced his perspective on the world. From a young age, he developed the belief that colonial forces represented the West and were in opposition to his understanding of divine teachings. His awareness of what he perceived as cultural and religious "erosion" brought by Western influences fueled a lifelong resistance to the West—a belief that continues to send shockwaves throughout Palestine and other Islamic nations today. 

Resistance Against Colonial Domination

Al-Qassam's activism began during Italy's invasion of Libya in 1911, where he emerged as a vocal supporter of the Ottoman-Libyan resistance. He mobilized his community to fund efforts against the Italian forces and later organized volunteers to join the jihad in Libya. Through his ability to unify people around the common belief that colonial forces were oppressive and opposing them was righteous, he used colonial domination as a target to advance the jihadist movement. Although his plans were thwarted by shifting Ottoman priorities, al-Qassam's resourcefulness we a success. He redirected unused funds to establish a madrasa in Jableh, expanding his efforts to spread his "teachings" to the next generation, ensuring that his resistance efforts fostered education and ideological resilience for years to come, sound familiar?  

This early experience in grassroots mobilization defined al-Qassam's approach. His reforms demonstrated his ability to integrate religious obligations with political goals, embedding his understanding of Islamic teachings into the framework of the resistance movement. This methodology later influenced the foundation of Hamas's original charter. Al-Qassam excelled at galvanizing local communities, convincing Islamists that they should not rely on political elites or foreign powers. This strategy, effectively utilized by modern grassroots movements, championed the power of local, community-led action. 

The Great Revolt and Martyrdom

This grassroots method laid the foundation for al-Qassam to create a group of supporters capable of collective action without the need for external reliance to succeed. When al-Qassam relocated to Haifa under the British Mandate in Palestine, he became a central figure in the growing resistance movement—the perfect setting for expanding his cause. 

However, before 1922, Palestine was part of Ottoman-controlled territory dating back to 1871. Theodor Herzl, a prominent advocate for establishing a Jewish homeland, proposed paying off the Ottoman Empire's foreign debts in exchange for making Palestine a Jewish state. Sultan Abdulhamid II rejected this offer. To combat planned Jewish settlements, the Ottoman Empire issued the 1871 decree of İrade-i Seniyye, converting Palestinian lands into state-owned property and banning the sale of land and property to Jews. Ottoman control over Palestine ended in 1917, aided by Britain-backed Arab forces.

By 1922, the League of Nations granted Britain mandate administration over the region, paving the way for increased Jewish immigration. Through land purchases from Palestinians, Jewish settlers not only established a presence but also introduced Western traditions—which this emerging jihadist revolution opposed. Tensions escalated, violence broke out, and Sheikh Izz ad-Din al-Qassam became a prominent leader of the resistance. 

By 1935, al-Qassam had become a target of British authorities. After the body of a Jewish constable was discovered near Ein Harod, suspicion fell on his group. Pursued relentlessly, al-Qassam and his followers went underground, evading capture by retreating to the hills near Jenin, with the support of local villagers. Their eventual discovery near Sheikh Zeid village led to a fierce confrontation with British police. On November 20, 1935, Sheikh Izz ad-Din al-Qassam was shot and killed by the British authorities, while five of his followers were taken prisoner. His death sent shockwaves across Palestine, fueling outrage against the West and inspiring a widespread uprising among jihadist believers, later known as the Great Revolt 

Legacy and Influence

Sheikh Izz ad-Din al-Qassam's life and sacrifice remain deeply influential. His empowerment of ordinary Palestinians and emphasis on grassroots mobilization laid the foundation for resistance movements, serving as both an inspiration and a guide for Hamas along with other jihadist groups. Hamas had honored al-Qassam, by naming their military wing al-Qassam Brigades, reflects their commitment in adopting his ideology and organizational methods as a blueprint for their efforts. 

When al-Qassam and his followers were killed becaquse they had killed. Yet, the arab world attended their funeral and coffins were draped with flags from Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab nations. thus symbolizing the wider allegiance to his cause within the jihadist world. His "martyrdom" electrified the Palestinian people, becoming a rallying cry for cohesive and sustained resistance against British colonial rule and beyond.

Studying Sheikh Izz ad-Din al-Qassam's story offers insight into the roots of grassroots mobilization and the mindset behind such movements. By understanding the reasoning and strategies underlying their actions, those in the West may gain the tools to better counter the influence and expansion of jihadist ideologies and the use of grassroots to influence the minds of young americans.