The word "Hizbollah" is a transliteration of the Arabic term "حزب الله" (Ḥizbu'llāh), which means "Party of God". The spelling in English has been standardized as "Hizbollah" or "Hezbollah" depending on the academic or journalistic convention. The first syllable "Hi-" is pronounced as "hee" with a long "i" sound, while the second syllable "zbol-" is pronounced as "zuh-boll" with the stress on the second syllable. The final syllable "-lah" is pronounced as "lah" with a short "a" sound.
Hezbollah, also known as Hizbullah, is a Lebanese political and military organization founded in the early 1980s. The term "Hezbollah" means "Party of God" in Arabic. It emerged in response to the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon and grew out of the Shia Muslim community in the country.
Hezbollah has two main components: a military wing and a political wing. The military wing is considered a powerful and well-equipped paramilitary force that engages in armed resistance against Israel and other perceived enemies. It has been involved in various military activities, including guerrilla warfare, missile attacks, and suicide bombings. Hezbollah operates primarily in Lebanon but has also conducted operations beyond its borders, especially targeting Israeli interests.
The organization's political wing is involved in Lebanon's political landscape and has representation in the Lebanese parliament. It advocates for the rights of the Shia community and promotes Islamic ideals within the country. Hezbollah has established social service networks, such as schools, hospitals, and welfare programs, to gain support from the local population.
Hezbollah's ideology is based on a blend of Shia Islam and anti-imperialist principles. Iran has been a major supporter of Hezbollah, providing it with financial, military, and political backing. The organization's activities, particularly its armed resistance against Israel, have made it a controversial entity both regionally and internationally. It has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Israel, while others, particularly some Arab and Muslim countries, view it as a legitimate resistance movement against Israeli occupation.
The word "Hizbollah" has its roots in the Arabic language. It is derived from two elements: "Hizb" and "Allah".
- Hizb: In Arabic, "Hizb" (حزب) means "party" or "group". It can refer to a political, religious, or social organization that shares common goals or objectives.
- Allah: In Arabic, "Allah" (الله) is the word for God in Islam. It is a combination of the definite article "al-" and the noun "ilah" (god). Allah is the Islamic conception of the one true God.
Therefore, when combined, "Hizbollah" (حزب الله) translates to "Party of Allah" or "Party of God". It is important to note that Hizbollah is a Lebanese Islamist political group and militant organization.