“Anyone who had been attending the regular training sessions and was not planning to attend Fajr (dawn) prayers at their usual mosques must go to pray.” This was the message that sparked the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation executed with precision by the Palestinian resistance on October 7th. It reached the youth of the resistance, gathering them for prayer before taking up their weapons and executing one of the greatest epics of heroism in military history.
This message, reported by “The Guardian” based on informed sources, sheds light on the role of educational programs in preparing the mujahideen and executing Palestinian resistance operations, which can be described as a success of the first “Al-Aqsa Flood.”
Education and upbringing are the primary tools used by Palestinian resistance factions to nurture a generation of mujahideen (fighters) capable of confronting the “Israeli” occupation and defending Palestinian rights and sanctities. Their programs include a range of activities, initiatives, and projects aimed at reinforcing first religious, then national, cultural, social, and psychological awareness.
These programs are not limited to youth but also include children, focusing on developing their skills, abilities, and talents. They aim to encourage active participation in public life and the struggle against the occupation. This is particularly emphasized by the “Al-Ashbal (cubs) Department” in Palestinian resistance factions, especially in the movements of “Hamas” and “Islamic Jihad.”
“Hamas,” in its educational programs, emphasizes the connection between faith and politics, maintaining a balance between knowledge and jihad. The movement also prioritizes human, ethical, and moral aspects alongside physical training. The goal is to raise a generation of mujahideen who are faithful to Allah, His messenger, and the Quran, who love Palestine, its people, and their cause, who are committed to the covenant, the movement's political program, and are ready to sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom, dignity, and justice.
Educational Movement
According to “Hamas” official statements and sources from “The Guardian,” the educational movement of “Hamas” includes various programs, with one of the key programs being the Scouts and Female Guides program, which is one of the oldest and most extensive educational programs of “Hamas,” initiated in 1992. It targets children and youth aged 7 to 18.
The aim of this program is to develop the physical, mental, spiritual, and social aspects of the participants. It teaches them life, leadership, and military skills while instilling values of loyalty, belonging, cooperation, solidarity, challenge, and creativity.
The program encompasses a variety of activities and events, such as trips, camps, competitions, workshops, courses, lectures, seminars, festivals, shows, and participation in national, religious, and humanitarian occasions.
One of the prominent figures who was nurtured through this program is the martyr Ahmed Al-Jabari, the former military commander of the “Al-Qassam Brigades,” who was a founder and supervisor of the Scouts and Guides in “Hamas.” He was assassinated by the “Israeli” occupation in 2012.
The educational system of the movement also includes the “Vanguards Program,” one of the most important and recent educational programs of “Hamas.” Initiated in 2013, it targets young people aged 18 to 25, with approximately 50,000 male and female members in Gaza and the West Bank.
This program aims to equip youth with leadership skills, responsibility, and engagement in political, social, cultural, and jihadist aspects of life. It raises awareness about national, Islamic, Arab, and international issues and encourages innovation, excellence, and development.
The program involves various activities and events, such as courses, workshops, lectures, seminars, conferences, exhibitions, festivals, campaigns, initiatives, projects, participation in elections, demonstrations, and confrontations.
One of the notable figures who were nurtured by this program is Mohammed Al-Deif, the current military commander of the “Al-Qassam Brigades,” who was a founder and supervisor of the Vanguards in “Hamas.” He survived several assassination attempts by the occupation.
Al-Ansar program
As for the program targeting the age group between 25 and 40 in “Hamas,” it is the “Al-Ansar (supporters) Program,” which started in 2014. It includes around 20,000 members in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The program aims to train and qualify individuals for political, social, media, and jihadist work. It empowers its members to play their role in serving the movement, the people, and the Palestinian cause, expanding the base of support and influence for the movement in Palestinian society, and strengthening relationships with national, Islamic, and international factions, institutions, and figures.
This program includes a range of activities and events, such as meetings, dialogues, visits, tasks, responsibilities, and participation in important events and issues.
The “Learning and Memorizing the Quran Program” is a common factor among all other educational programs in “Hamas.” It is one of the oldest and most important programs of the movement, that started in 1988. It targets all ages and social groups, encompassing around 200,000 participants in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
This program aims to teach the Quran, its interpretation, memorization, tajweed (how to recite it correctly), and its application in every day’s life. It focuses on educating people on the correct Islamic creed and the noble Prophetic methodology, nurturing the spiritual, moral, and values aspects of participants, and achieving unity, fraternity, and cooperation among Muslims.
The program includes a variety of activities and events, such as sessions, courses, competitions, conferences, festivals, celebrations, and participation in charitable and advocacy work. One of its notable figures is the late Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the founder of “Hamas” and its spiritual leader. He was among the prominent Quran reciters, interpreters, and teachers in Palestine and was assassinated by the “Israeli” occupation in 2004.
“Hamas” has other educational programs targeting prisoners, the families of martyrs, the wounded, and orphans. It also has programs for women and girls, as well as specific programs for students, graduates, scholars, preachers, arts and creativity, sports, physical education, and others. These specialized programs aim to achieve the “Hamas” vision of building a generation of committed mujahideen who strongly believe in Allah, His messenger, and his Book, loving Palestine, its people, and its cause. Similar programs exist within the “Islamic Jihad” movement.
The “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation has provided practical evidence that the upbringing within the resistance movements is not only about shaping discipline, sacrifice, and dedication among its members but also about strengthening the popular environment for the resistance in the Holy Land of Palestine. This phenomenon has astonished the world for several weeks, during which civilians have been systematically massacred, yet they do not resent or condemn the resistance. Instead, they express full support for their fighters, accepting Allah's will in whatever happens to them.
Amidst these horrors and the profound religious reactions, hundreds of influencers around the world have shown interest in understanding Islam and reading the Quran. They seek to comprehend the nature of this culture and faith that enables Palestinians to exhibit such resilience and steadfastness. Glory be to Allah, who bestows blessings in disguise!
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