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The '''Mujama al- | {{Short description|Islamic charity established in 1973}} | ||
{{use dmy dates|date=June 2025}} | |||
{{Infobox organization | |||
| name = Islamic Centre | |||
| native_name = {{Infobox name module|ar|المجمع الإسلامي}} | |||
| image = | |||
| type = NGO | |||
| founded_date = 1973 | |||
| tax_id = | |||
| registration_id = | |||
| founder = | |||
| location = [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]], Palestine | |||
| origins = | |||
| key_people = [[Ahmed Yassin]] | |||
| area_served = [[Israeli Military Governorate|Palestine]] | |||
}} | |||
The '''Mujama' al-Islami''' ({{langx|ar|المجمع الإسلامي|lit=Islamic Centre}}) is an Islamic charity founded in 1973 in [[Gaza City|Gaza]] by [[Sheikh Ahmed Yassin]], who had been involved with the Egyptian [[Muslim Brotherhood#Palestine|Muslim Brotherhood]]'s Palestinian branch. Mujama established clinics, blood banks, day cares, medical treatments, soup kitchens and youth clubs, and extended financial aid and scholarships to young people seeking to study in [[Saudi Arabia]] and the West. In 1979, Israel recognized Al-Mujama' al-Islam as a charity, allowing the organization to set up the [[Islamic University in Gaza]] (IUG) and build [[mosques]], clubs, schools,<ref name="WSJ">{{cite news|last=Higgins |first=Andrew |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123275572295011847 |title=How Israel Helped to Spawn Hamas |work=The Wall Street Journal|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926212507/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123275572295011847.html|archivedate=September 26, 2009 |date=2009-01-24 |accessdate=2010-08-24}}</ref> and a library in Gaza.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-mar-02-fg-charity2-story.html|title=Hamas Victory Is Built on Social Work|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=2 March 2006}}</ref> | |||
Mujama al-Islamiya was | ==History== | ||
Mujama al-Islamiya was formed in 1973 by Sheikh Yassin, and offered services and programs located in [[mosque]]s in Gaza.<ref name="zuhur" /> During the late 1970s and 1980s, the organization coerced urban educated women in Gaza to wear [[hijab]], head coverings in Islam.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3012687?seq=1|title=Women and the Hijab in the Intifada|first=Rema|last=Hammami|website=Middle East Report|date=May–August 1990|jstor=3012687 }}</ref> | |||
In the | In January 1980, the movement initiated [[January 1980 Mujama al-Islamiya riot|a riot]] against offices of the [[Palestine Red Crescent Society]], leftists in Gaza, and Gazan shops that were deemed "immoral". | ||
In 1984, the Israeli military | In 1984, the [[Israel Defense Forces|Israeli military]] infiltrated a suspected mosque and found a cache of weapons. Sheikh Yassin and others were jailed for secretly stockpiling weapons, but he was released in 1985 as part of the [[Jibril Agreement]].<ref name="zuhur">{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/man/eprint/zuhur.pdf |title=HAMAS and Israel: Conflicting Strategies of Group-Based Politics |accessdate=11 June 2010}}</ref> He continued to expand Mujama's reach across Gaza.<ref name="WSJ"/> | ||
==Formation of Hamas== | ===Formation of Hamas=== | ||
In 1987, during the [[First Intifada]], Yassin and six other Mujama Islamist members launched [[Hamas]], originally calling it the "paramilitary wing" of the Palestinian Muslim Brotherhood, and Yassin became its spiritual leader. He also claimed responsibility for a number of [[suicide attack]]s targeting [[Israel]]i civilians, and Hamas was designated a [[List of designated terrorist organizations|terrorist organization]].<ref name="newsbbccouk2">{{cite news|url= | In 1987, during the [[First Intifada]], Yassin and six other Mujama Islamist members launched [[Hamas]], originally calling it the "paramilitary wing" of the Palestinian Muslim Brotherhood, and Yassin became its spiritual leader. He also claimed responsibility for a number of [[suicide attack]]s targeting [[Israel]]i civilians, and Hamas was designated a [[List of designated terrorist organizations|terrorist organization]].<ref name="newsbbccouk2">{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/middle_east/2001/israel_and_the_palestinians/profiles/1695470.stm|title=Sheikh Yassin: Spiritual figurehead |access-date=7 August 2007|date=22 March 2004|work=[[BBC Online]]}}</ref> By that time, Mujama controlled an estimated 40% of mosques in Gaza. Mujama's institutions would become crucial to Hamas's terrorist activities. They were and continue to provide cover for raising, laundering and transferring funds, facilitate the group's propaganda and recruitment efforts, provide employment for its operatives, and serve as a logistical support network.<ref>{{cite book|title=Hamas: Politics, Charity, and Terrorism in the Service of Jihad|year=2006|first=Matthew|last=Levitt|pages=23–25|publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0300122589|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Min9VpiravsC|via=Google Books}}</ref> | ||
In February 2007, [[Fatah]] militia stormed | In February 2007, [[Fatah]] militia stormed the Islamic University in Gaza and confiscated weapons and ammunition that were stored there. Palestinian television aired footage showing dozens of rocket-propelled grenade launchers, rockets, and assault rifles, as well as thousands of bullets which had been found inside the university.<ref name="nypost">{{cite news|title=IRAN'S GAZA GOONS CAUGHT AT HELM OF BOMB FACTORY|last=Solts|first=Andy|via=Post Wire Services|website=New York Post|date=3 February 2007|url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/02032007/news/worldnews/irans_gaza_goons_worldnews_andy_soltis_with_post_wire_services.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204104632/http://www.nypost.com/seven/02032007/news/worldnews/irans_gaza_goons_worldnews_andy_soltis_with_post_wire_services.htm|archive-date=4 December 2008}}</ref><ref name="may18">{{cite news|title=Gaza is hit with more Israeli airstrikes|first=Steven|last=Erlanger|via=New York Times|date=18 May 2007|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/18/world/africa/18iht-mideast.5.5777660.html}}</ref> | ||
In December 2008, the university was bombed in six air strikes by the [[Israeli Air Force]] during the [[Gaza War (2008–09)|2008 Gaza War]], claiming that university facilities were being used by Hamas to develop and store weapons including [[Qassam rocket]]s used to target Israeli civilians. Hamas denied the Israeli allegation.<ref name="nypost"> | In December 2008, the university was bombed in six air strikes by the [[Israeli Air Force]] during the [[Gaza War (2008–09)|2008 Gaza War]], claiming that university facilities were being used by Hamas to develop and store weapons including [[Qassam rocket]]s used to target Israeli civilians. Hamas denied the Israeli allegation.<ref name="nypost"/><ref>{{cite news|date=29 December 2008|via=[[Jerusalem Post]]|title=IAF bombs Islamic University's R&D labs|first=Yaakov|last=Katz|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel/iaf-bombs-islamic-universitys-r-and-d-labs}}</ref> The university was again targeted by air strikes during the [[2014 Israel–Gaza conflict]]. The Israeli army said it targeted a "weapon development" centre in the university.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/08/israel-strikes-university-gaza-city-20148283821707200.html |title=Israel strikes university in Gaza City|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=3 June 2015}}</ref> | ||
==Related entities== | ==Related entities== | ||
The [[Islamic Charitable Society]] is a [[non-profit]] [[charitable organisation]] located in [[Hebron]] in the [[West Bank]]. The charity was founded in 1962 to take care of orphans and expanded through years. It is now responsible for two orphanages, three schools for boys and girls, dairy, sewing workshop, two bakeries, a large mall and a 30-apartment building.<ref>Islamic Charitable Society, [http://www.hebronorphans.blogspot.com/ Orphans Under Threat].</ref> | The [[Islamic Charitable Society]] is a [[non-profit]] [[charitable organisation]] located in [[Hebron]] in the [[West Bank]]. The charity was founded in 1962 to take care of orphans and expanded through years. It is now responsible for two orphanages, three schools for boys and girls, dairy, sewing workshop, two bakeries, a large mall and a 30-apartment building.<ref>Islamic Charitable Society, [http://www.hebronorphans.blogspot.com/ Orphans Under Threat].</ref>{{better source needed|date=June 2025}} | ||
According to a 2006 episode of the [[BBC]]'s series: | According to a 2006 episode of the [[BBC]]'s series ''[[Panorama (TV series)|Panorama]]'': | ||
:the Islamic Charitable Society has received funding from [[Interpal]] and is associated with [[Hamas]].<ref name=BBC-Panorama>[ | :the Islamic Charitable Society has received funding from [[Interpal]] and is associated with [[Hamas]].<ref name=BBC-Panorama>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/07_july/30/panorama.shtml "Panorama: Faith, Hate and Charity"], ''[[Panorama (TV series)|Panorama]]'', [[BBC One]], 30 July 2006<br/>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/panorama/5234586.stm Faith, hate and charity: Transcript]</ref> Citing the [[Charity Commission for England and Wales]] and a draft report from the [[U.S. Treasury]]'s Asset Freezing Working Group, it was alleged on that the Islamic Charitable Society has "a well-documented supporting role within the Hamas infrastructure" and that it had "funded and administered educational programmes that appear tantamount to incitement and indoctrination in support of violent Hamas activity.<ref name=BBC-Panorama/> | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 26: | Line 43: | ||
*[[InfoCom Corporation]] | *[[InfoCom Corporation]] | ||
*[[Interpal]] | *[[Interpal]] | ||
*[[Israeli support for Hamas]] | |||
*[[Union of Good]] | *[[Union of Good]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
{{Hamas}} | |||
[[Category:History of the Gaza Strip]] | |||
[[Category:History of Hamas]] | |||
[[Category:Gaza Strip]] | |||
[[Category:Hamas]] | |||
[[Category:Islamic charities]] | [[Category:Islamic charities]] | ||
[[Category:Charities based in | [[Category:Charities based in Palestine]] | ||
[[Category:Organizations established in 1973]] | [[Category:Organizations established in 1973]] | ||
[[Category:1973 establishments in the | [[Category:1973 establishments in Palestine]] | ||
[[Category:History of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt]] | |||
[[Category:Egypt in the Arab–Israeli conflict]] | |||
Latest revision as of 05:22, 4 November 2025
| Arabic | المجمع الإسلامي |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1973 |
| Type | NGO |
| Location |
|
Area served | Palestine |
Key people | Ahmed Yassin |
The Mujama' al-Islami (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) is an Islamic charity founded in 1973 in Gaza by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, who had been involved with the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood's Palestinian branch. Mujama established clinics, blood banks, day cares, medical treatments, soup kitchens and youth clubs, and extended financial aid and scholarships to young people seeking to study in Saudi Arabia and the West. In 1979, Israel recognized Al-Mujama' al-Islam as a charity, allowing the organization to set up the Islamic University in Gaza (IUG) and build mosques, clubs, schools,[1] and a library in Gaza.[2]
History[edit | edit source]
Mujama al-Islamiya was formed in 1973 by Sheikh Yassin, and offered services and programs located in mosques in Gaza.[3] During the late 1970s and 1980s, the organization coerced urban educated women in Gaza to wear hijab, head coverings in Islam.[4]
In January 1980, the movement initiated a riot against offices of the Palestine Red Crescent Society, leftists in Gaza, and Gazan shops that were deemed "immoral".
In 1984, the Israeli military infiltrated a suspected mosque and found a cache of weapons. Sheikh Yassin and others were jailed for secretly stockpiling weapons, but he was released in 1985 as part of the Jibril Agreement.[3] He continued to expand Mujama's reach across Gaza.[1]
Formation of Hamas[edit | edit source]
In 1987, during the First Intifada, Yassin and six other Mujama Islamist members launched Hamas, originally calling it the "paramilitary wing" of the Palestinian Muslim Brotherhood, and Yassin became its spiritual leader. He also claimed responsibility for a number of suicide attacks targeting Israeli civilians, and Hamas was designated a terrorist organization.[5] By that time, Mujama controlled an estimated 40% of mosques in Gaza. Mujama's institutions would become crucial to Hamas's terrorist activities. They were and continue to provide cover for raising, laundering and transferring funds, facilitate the group's propaganda and recruitment efforts, provide employment for its operatives, and serve as a logistical support network.[6]
In February 2007, Fatah militia stormed the Islamic University in Gaza and confiscated weapons and ammunition that were stored there. Palestinian television aired footage showing dozens of rocket-propelled grenade launchers, rockets, and assault rifles, as well as thousands of bullets which had been found inside the university.[7][8]
In December 2008, the university was bombed in six air strikes by the Israeli Air Force during the 2008 Gaza War, claiming that university facilities were being used by Hamas to develop and store weapons including Qassam rockets used to target Israeli civilians. Hamas denied the Israeli allegation.[7][9] The university was again targeted by air strikes during the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict. The Israeli army said it targeted a "weapon development" centre in the university.[10]
Related entities[edit | edit source]
The Islamic Charitable Society is a non-profit charitable organisation located in Hebron in the West Bank. The charity was founded in 1962 to take care of orphans and expanded through years. It is now responsible for two orphanages, three schools for boys and girls, dairy, sewing workshop, two bakeries, a large mall and a 30-apartment building.[11][better source needed]
According to a 2006 episode of the BBC's series Panorama:
- the Islamic Charitable Society has received funding from Interpal and is associated with Hamas.[12] Citing the Charity Commission for England and Wales and a draft report from the U.S. Treasury's Asset Freezing Working Group, it was alleged on that the Islamic Charitable Society has "a well-documented supporting role within the Hamas infrastructure" and that it had "funded and administered educational programmes that appear tantamount to incitement and indoctrination in support of violent Hamas activity.[12]
See also[edit | edit source]
- Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development
- Islamic Association of Palestine
- InfoCom Corporation
- Interpal
- Israeli support for Hamas
- Union of Good
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Higgins, Andrew (24 January 2009). "How Israel Helped to Spawn Hamas". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 26 September 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
- ↑ "Hamas Victory Is Built on Social Work". Los Angeles Times. 2 March 2006.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "HAMAS and Israel: Conflicting Strategies of Group-Based Politics" (PDF). Retrieved 11 June 2010.
- ↑ Hammami, Rema (May–August 1990). "Women and the Hijab in the Intifada". Middle East Report. JSTOR 3012687.
- ↑ "Sheikh Yassin: Spiritual figurehead". BBC Online. 22 March 2004. Retrieved 7 August 2007.
- ↑ Levitt, Matthew (2006). Hamas: Politics, Charity, and Terrorism in the Service of Jihad. Yale University Press. pp. 23–25. ISBN 978-0300122589 – via Google Books.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Solts, Andy (3 February 2007). "IRAN'S GAZA GOONS CAUGHT AT HELM OF BOMB FACTORY". New York Post. Archived from the original on 4 December 2008 – via Post Wire Services.
- ↑ Erlanger, Steven (18 May 2007). "Gaza is hit with more Israeli airstrikes" – via New York Times.
- ↑ Katz, Yaakov (29 December 2008). "IAF bombs Islamic University's R&D labs" – via Jerusalem Post.
- ↑ "Israel strikes university in Gaza City". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
- ↑ Islamic Charitable Society, Orphans Under Threat.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Panorama: Faith, Hate and Charity", Panorama, BBC One, 30 July 2006
Faith, hate and charity: Transcript