The spelling of the word "Hizbullah" often causes confusion and mispronunciation. The correct pronunciation of this word is [hɪz.bʊˈlɑː]. The first syllable "hiz" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by "bu," pronounced with a short "u" sound, and ending with a long "a" sound in "lah." Despite the common variations in spelling, the correct spelling of "Hizbullah" is consistently used in reference to the Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group.
Hizbullah, also spelled as Hezbollah, is a major political and military organization based in Lebanon. The term "Hizbullah" translates to "Party of God" in Arabic. It was founded in the early 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War with the objective of fighting against the Israeli occupation of Lebanon and establishing an Islamic state.
Hizbullah is primarily known for its armed wing, which is considered one of the most powerful resistance groups in the region. It is heavily supported by Iran and has been engaged in numerous military conflicts, including the Israeli-Lebanese conflict, where it gained recognition for its guerrilla warfare tactics and rocket attacks against Israel.
In addition to its military wing, Hizbullah also has a significant political presence. It operates as a political party within the Lebanese government and holds seats in the parliament. Hizbullah's political activities focus on advocating for the rights of Lebanese Shiites, social welfare programs, and resisting what it perceives as Western and Israeli dominance in the region.
Hizbullah's ideology is heavily influenced by Shiite Islam, and its leaders view themselves as part of a broader Muslim resistance movement against perceived injustices. The organization has a vast network of social services that provide education, healthcare, and other support to the Shiite community in Lebanon, further bolstering its popularity and increasing its influence within Lebanese society.
Due to its military involvement and perceived ties to Iran, Hizbullah has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States and Israel, with ongoing tensions in the region linked to its actions.
The word "Hizbullah" originates from Arabic and has its roots in Islamic theology and politics. It is a compound word combining two Arabic terms: "hizb" and "Allah".
- "Hizb" (حزب) means "party" or "group" in Arabic, referring to a faction or collective.
- "Allah" (الله) is the Arabic word for God, specifically the monotheistic God of Islam.
When combined, "Hizbullah" (حزب الله) can be translated as "Party of God" or "Party of Allah". It was first used as a political and military organization's name founded in Lebanon in the early 1980s. Hizbullah, also known as Hezbollah, emerged during the Lebanese Civil War with the aim of creating an Islamic revolution in Lebanon and resisting Israeli occupation.