Hizb al-Tahrir is a political party that seeks to restore the Islamic caliphate, advocating for a comprehensive political, social, and cultural transformation based on Islamic principles. The party, founded by Sheikh Taqii Ad-Deen An-Nabahaani in 1952, operates with the belief that the key to re-establishing the Islamic way of life lies in intellectual and political change, driven by the cultural and educational activities of its members.

The Founding and Leadership of Hizb al-Tahrir

Sheikh Taqii Ad-Deen An-Nabahaani, a Palestinian scholar, founded Hizb al-Tahrir after witnessing the defeat of Palestine in 1948. He spent much of his life in Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, working as a teacher, judge, and professor. His ideas were the foundation for the party’s ideology, which focuses on the restoration of the Islamic state. Following An-Nabahaani’s death in 1979, leadership passed to figures such as `Abdul-Qadeem Zalloum, and the party continued to spread its influence across the Muslim world, particularly through underground activities.

The party’s structure is secretive, with many of its prominent figures remaining anonymous to avoid persecution from governments. Over the years, several members have faced arrest and trial, most notably in Egypt in 1984, when a number of individuals associated with the party were accused of preparing for a coup.

Hizb al-Tahrir’s Ideology and Objectives

At its core, Hizb al-Tahrir adheres to the ideology of Ahl-As-Sunnah Wal-Jama`ah (the mainstream Sunni tradition) and strives to establish an Islamic way of life by re-establishing the caliphate. The party’s goal is to implement a political system based on Islamic law (Shari’ah), starting with the Arab world and ultimately expanding to all Muslim-majority nations.

Hizb al-Tahrir focuses on intellectual and cultural work to spread its message. The party’s members engage in political and social activities aimed at shifting public opinion towards supporting an Islamic state. The party believes that changing society begins with an intellectual conflict, followed by cultural and political engagement, and finally, the establishment of power.

The Cultural and Political Activities of Hizb al-Tahrir

The party engages in two primary forms of activity:

  1. Cultural Activity: Hizb al-Tahrir seeks to promote Islamic culture and thought among the public. Its members engage in discussions, public addresses, and educational initiatives designed to convince the wider society of the validity of Islamic governance.
  2. Political Activity: The party focuses on using political events to support its ideological goals. This includes recording significant events and using them as evidence to rally public support for the establishment of an Islamic state.

Hizb al-Tahrir envisions three stages of societal change: intellectual conflict (via cultural work), intellectual change (through political and cultural interaction), and ultimately, the seizure of power by the collective will of the Muslim Ummah, rather than a single individual or leader.

Challenges and Obstacles Facing Hizb al-Tahrir

According to the party’s founder, several key obstacles prevent the establishment of the Islamic state:

  • The infiltration of non-Islamic thoughts and cultures into Muslim societies.
  • The persistence of secular education systems influenced by foreign occupiers.
  • The dominance of non-Islamic ideologies like nationalism and communism.
  • The separation between Muslims and their religion, particularly in governance and economic matters.

The party critiques Muslim-majority governments for adopting democracy and capitalism, which it views as incompatible with Islamic principles. Hizb al-Tahrir also rejects beliefs in spiritual matters such as the torment of the grave or the coming of the Anti-Christ, considering these ideas to be misguided.

The Arab Leadership of Hizb al-Tahrir

While Hizb al-Tahrir is a global movement, it is often associated with Arab leadership, given that its founder and many early members were from the Arab world. The party’s activities, however, extend beyond Arab countries, aiming for a pan-Islamic revival. The prominence of Arabs within the movement can be attributed to historical and political factors in the Arab world, but the party’s message is meant to resonate with all Muslims, regardless of ethnicity.

Controversies and Criticism

Hizb al-Tahrir has faced significant criticism from various scholars and governments due to its political goals and its sometimes radical rhetoric. Many Muslim scholars argue that the party’s approach is divisive and unrealistic. Despite these criticisms, Hizb al-Tahrir remains a prominent player in the political landscape of many Muslim countries, advocating for the establishment of a caliphate based on its interpretation of Islamic governance.

Conclusion

Hizb al-Tahrir is a political party that seeks to restore the Islamic caliphate through intellectual, cultural, and political efforts. Its vision of an Islamic state has attracted both support and controversy. While the party is widely recognized for its focus on cultural and political engagement, it also faces criticism for its radical stance and underground operations. Despite this, its members remain committed to their goal of an Islamic state, with the belief that a cultural and intellectual transformation is necessary to bring about this change.