Draft:Mounir Shafiq

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Munir Shafiq

Name	Munir Shafiq Asal (Arabic: منير شفيق عسل)
Birth	1936 (age 87–88)
Place of Birth	Qatamon, Jerusalem
Citizenship	State of Palestine
Profession	Writer, Politician, Activist
Languages	Arabic

Munir Shafiq (Munīr Shafīq Asal, Arabic: منير شفيق عسل) is a prominent Palestinian intellectual, strategist, and author whose ideological evolution—from Marxism to Islamic thought—mirrors the political shifts in the Arab world during the 20th century. Shafiq’s works span a range of subjects, including philosophy, history, political theory, and Islamic theology.. His role in shaping Palestinian resistance, particularly through his involvement with the Fatah student brigade (al-Katibe al-Tullabiyya), positions him as a key figure in the intellectual and strategic leadership of the Palestinian movement.

Early Life and Education

Munir Shafiq was born in 1936 in Qatamon, Jerusalem, into a Christian family. His father, Shafiq Asal, was a lawyer, while his mother was among the first graduates of the Teachers’ Institute in 1927. Shafiq memorized sections of the Quran and many classical Arabic poems at the age of 13 and studied Nahj al-Balaghah. He completed his secondary education in Jerusalem in 1953 before moving to Beirut Arab University to study philosophy, psychology, and political science. He worked as a teacher in Jerusalem and at Silwad Elementary School.

Political Activism and Ideological Evolution

Marxist Beginnings (1952–1967)

Shafiq’s political career began with his membership in the Jordanian Communist Party in 1952, where he became a committed Marxist. He was imprisoned by Jordanian authorities from 1957 to 1967 due to his political activities. During this time, Shafiq deepened his Marxist beliefs, focusing on revolutionary theory and the necessity of class struggle. His years in prison were formative, during which he devoted himself to intellectual and ideological development.

Fatah and Arab Nationalism (1968–1979)

Following his release from prison, Shafiq grew disillusioned with Soviet-aligned Communism and joined Fatah in 1968, aligning with its leftist faction. In 1974, he was instrumental in forming the al-Katibe al-Tullabiyya, a student brigade that was integral to the Palestinian resistance. This brigade reflected the growing interconnection between Palestinian nationalism and Arab leftist movements, underscoring the ideological unity necessary for the liberation struggle. Shafiq emphasized discipline, self-sacrifice, and the need for ideological coherence among fighters.

Conversion to Islam (1980s)

In the 1980s, following the Iranian Revolution, Shafiq became increasingly influenced by Islamic thought. His conversion to Islam marked a shift in his political and intellectual orientation. He moved away from Marxism and began advocating for an approach that combined Arab nationalism with Islamic principles. Shafiq’s conversion reinforced his commitment to the Palestinian cause, and he became a vocal proponent of Islamic governance and resistance. His work emphasized the need for a synthesis of Islamic values with Arab nationalist goals, particularly in the context of Palestinian resistance.

Intellectual Contributions and Perspectives

Shafiq’s intellectual contributions are broad and diverse, covering topics such as religion, governance, resistance, and the role of intellectuals in political movements. His work critiques modern state structures and the role of secularism in Arab societies, arguing that the state, when aligned with imperial powers, stifles genuine societal progress. He also stresses the importance of moral integrity and ideological clarity in resistance movements. Shafiq advocates for a reimagining of the state, one that transcends autocracy and engages with religious and philosophical thought. He has critiqued the Arab state’s control over religious institutions, particularly waqf (charitable endowments), arguing that it undermines the development of society in crucial sectors like education and healthcare . He also highlights the importance of unity in the Arab world, especially among Islamists, leftists, and secularists, to confront shared challenges like foreign intervention and democratization.

Contributions to the Palestinian Resistance

Shafiq’s involvement in the Palestinian resistance through al-Katibe al-Tullabiyya and his intellectual influence in shaping the Palestinian revolutionary movement solidified his place in modern Palestinian history. The brigade, which Shafiq co-founded in 1974, played a significant role in propagating the ideology of the fidāʾī as both a national and transnational ideal. The brigade’s members were drawn from various Arab nations, including Lebanon, and were committed to anti-imperialism and self-sacrifice in the struggle for Palestinian liberation (Meier, 2014).

Shafiq’s work emphasized the role of Palestine as a unifying cause for Arab and Muslim identity, underscoring its significance not just as a Palestinian issue but as a pan-Arab and Islamic cause. He continued to be involved in various Palestinian organizations, including the Palestinian National Council, and was a vocal critic of the stagnation of the Palestinian resistance in the West Bank under Israeli occupation.

On Al-Aqsa Flood

In November 2023, Shafiq spoke out on the Al-Aqsa Flood operation, the Hamas lead operation on Israel in 2023, lauding it as a pivotal moment in Palestinian resistance. He praised the operation for its tactical precision, which, despite overwhelming Israeli surveillance, this initial breach of the Gaza perimeter by Palestinian Hamas resistance fighters led to a delayed military response from Israel. It took hours for the Israeli military to mobilize and send troops to counter the attack. Shafiq highlighted the collapse of Israeli settlements, where fighters from Hamas and other resistance factions entered without encountering significant resistance, this is validated by several journalistic reports of the initial attack. He described the operation as symbolic of the impending end of the Zionist entity, calling it a significant milestone in challenging Israeli dominance in the region.

Shafiq’s observations are especially notable given the extensive surveillance apparatus that Israel deploys over Gaza. Israel employs advanced technologies such as drones, biometric databases, and predictive analytics to monitor and control the movement of its residents in Gaza and the small strip of land has been under seige for 17 years . This surveillance is intrinsically tied to the siege on Gaza, which restricts access to essential goods, medical supplies, and freedom of movement. The blockade, coupled with real-time surveillance, creates a “panopticon effect” where Gazans are constantly aware of being watched, deepening psychological and material oppression. Shafiq’s emphasis on the operation’s success despite these measures praises the ingenuity and resolve of Palestinian resistance movements in circumventing such pervasive control systems, according to him.

Furthermore, Shafiq condemned the genocidal violence perpetrated by Israel during the war on Gaza, critiquing Western support for Israeli actions and labeling the conflict as a war on humanity. His assertions align with findings from Human Rights Watch, Al Haq and many other international humanitarian and human rights organizations, which has documented actions by Israeli forces in Gaza amounting to war crimes and genocidal acts. Amnesty International has also classified Israel’s occupation of Palestine as illegal under international law, characterizing it as a form of apartheid and detailing systemic discrimination against Palestinians. Shafiq argued that the Zionist state’s foundation, rooted in colonial injustice, is illegitimate and must be dismantled. He called for broader Islamic unity to challenge Zionism and Western imperialism, urging Islamic countries to support Palestinian resistance and adopt a unified stance within international forums like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Positions Held

Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad- Conference President

The 17th General Secretariat meeting of the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad was held in September 2024 wherein Muniq Shafiq served as the Conference President. The theme of the meeting was ‘Partners in Blood and Dynasty’, and was held in Istanbul, Turkey. Shafiq in his Presidential speech claimed that the Zionist occupation is weaker than it seems, with the balance of power tilting in favour of resistance. Strongly condemning Israel’s offence towards Hezbollah via the detonation of the pagers in Lebanon, Shaqfiq called Israel’s actions to be ‘treacherous, criminal and genocidal aggression’. He elaborated on the globalization of the war in Gaza, stating that war in Gaza is no longer an isolated phenomenon but has garnered massive support internationally as well (“فلسطينيو الخارج” 2024).

Encyclopaedia of Islamic Political Jurisprudence- Member of the advisory board

General Union of Palestinian Writers and Journalists (اتحاد الكتاب والصحفيين الفلسطينيين) – Head (Al-Zaytouna Centre, 2021).

Planning Center of the PLO (مركز التخطيط) – Director (حفيظ، الجزيرة، 2024).

Arab Nationalist Congress (المؤتمر القومي الإسلامي) – Coordinator.

International Union of Muslim Scholars (اتحاد علماء المسلمين العالمي) – Member (رغيد الصلح، 1989).

Philosophical Contributions

Munir Shafiq’s intellectual contributions have been foundational in shaping both the Palestinian resistance movement and broader Arab political thought. His influence spans across his advocacy for armed resistance against Israeli occupation and his vision for Sunni-Shia unity within the broader Islamic world. His work has inspired numerous intellectuals and resistance leaders across the Middle East, especially in the context of Palestinian self-determination.

Resistance Philosophy:

Shafiq’s advocacy for armed resistance against Israeli occupation is one of his most significant contributions. He has consistently argued that the struggle against Israeli colonialism must be rooted in both military resistance and ideological solidarity. Shafiq views the Oslo Accords as a betrayal of Palestinian rights and a means for Israel to solidify its occupation. He posits that the unity of various Palestinian factions—Islamists, nationalists, and leftists—through a shared ideological commitment to resistance is essential for a viable and long-term struggle. This view aligns with other scholars, such as Hroub (2003), who examine Palestinian resistance as a multifaceted movement encompassing not only military action but also intellectual and cultural resistance to colonialism.

The Palestinian intellectual and political discourse influenced by Shafiq’s resistance philosophy is highlighted by works that examine both armed struggle and moral fortitude as necessary elements for overcoming colonial domination. Scholars such as Meier (2014) argue that Shafiq’s position on armed resistance has helped shape contemporary Palestinian nationalist and Islamist ideologies that emphasize self-determination through both military action and the cultivation of a cohesive identity.

Unity Advocacy:

Shafiq’s call for Sunni-Shia unity remains another central tenet of his philosophical approach. He emphasizes that sectarian divides within the Muslim world undermine the collective strength necessary to address regional and global challenges, particularly in the context of the Palestinian resistance. Shafiq’s advocacy for unity between Sunni and Shia Muslims reflects his belief in a pan-Islamic movement that transcends sectarian differences and focuses on collective action against imperialism and Zionism as he discusses in his books Islam in the Battle of Civilization (الإسلام في معركة الحضارة), 1983. as well as On Theories of Change (في نظريات التغيير), 2005..

This view is echoed by other scholars who argue that unity between Sunni and Shia factions is essential for confronting common geopolitical challenges, including the occupation of Palestine. As scholars such as El-Msaoui (2018) and Jeddou et al. (2014) argue, Shafiq’s position on unity extends beyond political cooperation to encompass a broader cultural and religious solidarity that strengthens the Muslim world in its struggle for justice. His call for Sunni-Shia cooperation aligns with broader intellectual currents in the Arab world that seek to unify Muslim nations under a common cause, whether through formal political institutions or informal ideological coalitions.

Shafiq’s influence is also apparent in the ongoing debates around sectarianism in the Middle East. Works by scholars like Vali Nasr (2006) and Shahram Vali (2013) stress the importance of overcoming sectarian divisions to create a cohesive political bloc capable of resisting external pressures.. Shafiq’s contribution to these debates highlights his strategic understanding of the need for unity in the face of imperialist and Zionist encroachment on Arab lands, particularly Palestine

Shafiq’s contributions to both resistance philosophy and unity advocacy have made him a pivotal figure in Palestinian and Arab intellectual thought. His calls for a unified front against Zionism and Western imperialism continue to resonate across the Arab world, influencing political leaders and movements advocating for Palestinian liberation. Through his work, Shafiq has demonstrated how ideological solidarity can shape resistance and pave the way for a more cohesive political future in the Middle East.

Publications

1. Marxism-Leninism and the Urgent Revolution (الماركسية اللينينية والثورة الملحة).
2. On the Science of War (في علم الحرب).
3. Marxism-Leninism and the Theory of the Revolutionary Party (الماركسية اللينينية ونظرية الحزب الثوري).
4. Translation: The Diaries of Che Guevara in Bolivia (يوميات تشي جيفارا في بوليفيا), Beirut: Dar al-Taliaa, 1968.
5. The Palestinian Revolution between Criticism and Destruction (1977)
6. Islam in the Battle of Civilization (الإسلام في معركة الحضارة), 1983.
7. Responses to Secular Proposals (ردود على أطروحات علمانية), 1989.
8. The New International Order and the Option of Confrontation (1992)
9. On Theories of Change (في نظريات التغيير), 2005.
10. Strategy and Tactics in the Science of War (الاستراتيجية والتكتيك في علم الحرب), 2008.
11. Democracy and Secularism in the Western Experience (الديمقراطية والعلمانية في التجربة الغربية), 2014.
12. Experiences of Six Global Revolutions (تجارب ست ثورات عالمية), 2014.

References

Arabic Sources