Sheikh A. Yassin
Sheikh A. Yassin
Full Name and Common Aliases
Sheikh Ahmed Hassan Abdullah al-Bakr's most widely recognized alias is Sheikh A. Yassin, though some sources also refer to him as Sheikh Ahmed Hassan.
Birth and Death Dates
Born in 1937, in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, Sheikh A. Yassin lived until his assassination by an Israeli missile strike on March 22, 2004.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Sheikh A. Yassin was a Palestinian Islamist leader who served as one of the founders of Hamas (Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya), which translates to the Islamic Resistance Movement. His profession primarily revolved around Islamic scholarship and leadership, though he also played significant roles in politics.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Gaza during a period marked by intense conflict between Israel and Palestine, Sheikh A. Yassin was exposed early on to the struggles of his people. He studied at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, where he earned his degree in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh). It was here that he became deeply involved with Islamist ideology, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood.
Major Accomplishments
Sheikh A. Yassin's most notable contribution to Palestinian resistance was his leadership within Hamas. Under his guidance, Hamas shifted its focus from a purely spiritual organization to a militant political entity that combined armed resistance against Israel with social services and community development in Gaza.
Notable Works or Actions
One of Sheikh A. Yassin's most significant actions was the implementation of the 1987-1990 Intifada (uprising) within Palestine, which saw widespread protests and civil unrest as a response to Israeli occupation policies. He also participated in peace negotiations with Israel but remained firm on key issues like withdrawal from Gaza.
Impact and Legacy
Sheikh A. Yassin's legacy is complex and multifaceted. Critics view him as an advocate for violence against civilians, while supporters see him as a champion of Palestinian rights under the harsh conditions imposed by Israeli occupation. His influence within Hamas contributed to the organization's transformation into one of the most influential political forces in Palestine.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Sheikh A. Yassin is widely quoted due to his prominent role in shaping Hamas' ideology and strategy. His quotes often reflect a mix of resistance against Israeli occupation and an emphasis on Islamist values within Palestinian society.
Quotes by Sheikh A. Yassin
The current stage does not allow the entrance of everyone into a military conflict, however everyone must be ready for the day in which it might take place, as the Zionist enemy is planning to attack our people and to control our land once again.
In all cases our stance will be determined by what serves the interests of the Palestinian people.
There are house demolitions and destruction all over the West Bank and Gaza. Just yesterday in Gaza they demolished three towers under the pretext that they were built close to a settlement.
Our strategy is to defend ourselves against an occupying army and against settlers and settlements.
The Palestinian situation is different. We can have military cooperation with other factions in the Palestinian territories. But we cannot have this with Hizbullah in Lebanon.
If it is in the interest of the Palestinian people to have a hudna, we'll have a hudna. If it isn't, we won't.
Resistance in Palestine will continue until the final liberation of all the Palestinian lands.