History of Amin al-Husseini

Amin al-Husseini was a prominent Palestinian Arab nationalist and religious leader who played an influential role in the Middle East during the early to mid-20th century. Known for his complex political maneuvers and alliances, al-Husseini’s legacy is interwoven with the tumultuous history of the Palestinian resistance against British rule and Zionist immigration in Palestine.

Mohammad Amin al-Husseini was born around 1897, in Jerusalem, into the influential al-Husseini family. The family had long been one of the dominant families in Palestinian society, and it traditionally held leadership roles, especially regarding religious affairs. Al-Husseini was educated in Jerusalem and later attended Al-Azhar University in Cairo, which was, and remains, one of the most prestigious centers for Islamic learning. His education both in religious and secular domains equipped him with a broad worldview and a network that would later prove crucial in his political life.

Al-Husseini's political life began in earnest following World War I, during a period when the future of the former Ottoman territories was being decided by the victorious Allied powers. Following the war, Palestine came under British control, as stipulated by the League of Nations mandate in 1920. The British Mandate for Palestine was characterized by increasing tensions between the burgeoning Jewish immigrant population and the Arab majority. Al-Husseini, an ardent opponent of Zionism, quickly became a prominent figure in the nationalist movement that opposed the increasing Jewish immigration encouraged by the British.

In 1921, the British High Commissioner for Palestine, Herbert Samuel, appointed al-Husseini as the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem. This position not only made him a key religious leader but also elevated his status as a political figure. In 1922, al-Husseini established the Supreme Muslim Council, which controlled the waqf (religious endowment) funds and managed the Islamic courts. This move significantly expanded his influence, allowing him to become a central figure in Palestinian politics.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Amin al-Husseini emerged as a leading voice against British policy in Palestine and Zionist immigration. He utilized his position to unite various Palestinian factions against a common adversary, focusing especially on the defense of Islamic holy sites. The Western Wall riots of 1929, which erupted over access to and rights over holy sites in Jerusalem, further cemented his role as a key leader in the resistance against Zionist expansion.

The 1936-1939 Arab Revolt, a nationalist uprising against British colonial rule and mass Jewish immigration, saw al-Husseini play a major role as one of its leading figures. Though the revolt was ultimately suppressed, it highlighted the deep-seated tensions in Palestine and showcased al-Husseini's ability to rally significant segments of the Palestinian population, albeit often at the cost of empowering rival factions or incurring harsh British crackdowns.

The outbreak of World War II saw al-Husseini shift his strategy. With Britain's power distracted by the war, al-Husseini sought alliances with Axis powers, especially Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. This decision remains one of the most controversial aspects of his career. He believed that the Axis powers' success could lead to the end of British control in Palestine and halt Jewish immigration. Al-Husseini moved to Germany in 1941, where he met with Adolf Hitler and other high-ranking Nazi officials. He was involved in propaganda efforts to rally Arab support for the Axis and expressed support for the extermination of Jews, a position that tainted his legacy and negotiations in later decades.

After the war, al-Husseini fled to avoid capture by the Allies and found refuge in various Arab countries. Despite his controversial wartime alliances, he remained a potent symbol of Palestinian resistance. During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which followed the declaration of the State of Israel, al-Husseini continued to exert influence, although his power was waning compared to new leaders emerging from the Palestinian refugee crisis and within the broader Arab world.

In the post-war years, al-Husseini’s influence diminished significantly. Efforts to lead the Palestinian cause were overshadowed by newer nationalist leaders and movements, such as the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which emerged in the 1960s. He spent his remaining years in Lebanon, continuing to engage in the Palestinian cause until his death in 1974.

Amin al-Husseini’s legacy is profoundly complex. To his supporters, he was a defender of Palestinian rights and Islamic holy sites, an essential figure in articulating the nationalist cause. To his detractors, his alliance with the Nazis and hardline methods are indefensible. His role in history remains a subject of intense debate, reflecting the broader historical and political challenges of the Palestinian national movement and the unresolved nature of Palestinian statehood. His life, therefore, serves as a mirror to the broader Arab nationalist and Palestinian movements of the 20th century, encapsulating both their aspirations and contradictions.