From Deprivation to Dominance: The Rise of Hezbollah’s Secretary General

Sheikh Naim Qassem, a prominent Shiite religious scholar and Lebanese politician, has recently stepped into the role of Secretary General of the “Hezbollah” movement in Lebanon. Following the tragic assassination of the late Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah on September 27, 2024, Qassem was elected to lead the group on October 29, 2024. This transition marks a significant moment in the political landscape of Lebanon. But who exactly is Sheikh Naim Qassem, and what does his leadership mean for Hezbollah and the country?

Early Life and Education

Naim ibn Mohammad Naim Qassem was born in February 1953 in the city of Kfar Fila, located in Lebanon’s Nabatiya province. He is a family man with four sons and two daughters. His early passion for Islam led him to delve deeply into Islamic literature. By the age of 18, he was already conducting weekly religious classes for teenagers and young adults at his local mosque.

Qassem’s academic interests were not limited to religious studies; he also had a keen interest in chemistry. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Lebanon, where he studied in French. In 1977, he obtained a Master’s degree in the same field and subsequently taught at public high schools for six years.

During this period, Qassem also attended a religious seminary, merging his academic pursuits with his spiritual education. In 1970, he collaborated with a group of like-minded individuals to establish the “Lebanese Muslim Students Union.” This organization aimed to promote religious awareness in schools and universities across Lebanon.

Political Activism and Hezbollah’s Formation

In 1974, Sheikh Naim Qassem joined the Amal Movement, founded by Imam Musa Sadr. He became involved in the military branch known as the “Movement of the Deprived,” which sought to counter the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territories. Following a series of Islamic committee meetings in 1982, Hezbollah was established, and Qassem emerged as one of its notable co-founders.

Subsequently, he became a member of Hezbollah’s Consultative Assembly, serving three terms. His responsibilities included overseeing education and scouting initiatives in Beirut before ascending to the position of executive deputy of Hezbollah.

Sheikh Qassem has been instrumental in strengthening Hezbollah’s relationships with other political factions in Lebanon. He played a vital role in numerous negotiations that led to significant political agreements with the Lebanese government. In 1991, he was appointed deputy to the Secretary General, a position he held until the martyrdom of Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah.

The assassination of Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah on September 27, 2024, due to an airstrike by the Israeli regime in Dahieh, south of Beirut, opened the door for Qassem’s election as the new Secretary General on October 29, 2024. This pivotal moment in Lebanese politics has set the stage for future developments within Hezbollah.

First Speech as Secretary General

In his inaugural address as Secretary General, Sheikh Naim Qassem conveyed powerful messages emphasizing resolve, determination, and victory. He highlighted the continuation of resistance against the Zionist regime, expressed rejection of their conditions, and supported calls for a ceasefire and negotiations. His personal website indicates his strong alignment with the political-religious ideology of Wilayate-Faqih, affirming his allegiance to Imam Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

Sheikh Naim Qassem’s lengthy tenure as Hezbollah’s deputy secretary-general was marked by significant events, including:

• The July 1993 war
• The 1996 war
• The liberation of Lebanon in 2000
• The 33-day war of 2006
• The 2017 conflicts

During these conflicts, Hezbollah’s military capabilities expanded dramatically, emphasizing Qassem’s influence in shaping the organization’s strategic direction.

Authorship and Contributions

In addition to his political endeavors, Sheikh Naim Qassem is an accomplished author. He has written several books covering a range of topics, including:

• Civil law
• The situation of women
• The rights of men and women
• Parental responsibilities toward children

Some of his notable works include:

• Imam al-Khomeini bayn al-Isalat wal-Tajdeed – a book about Imam Khomeini
• Al-Wali al-Mojadded – focusing on Imam Khamenei
• Hezbollah: Past and Future Method – originally published in 2002 and translated into multiple languages
• An explanation of Imam Zein-ul-Abedin’s Treatise on Rights

In summary, Sheikh Naim Qassem stands as a pivotal figure in Lebanon’s political landscape. His leadership is expected to bring about significant changes and advancements within Hezbollah, and many experts believe that his tenure will usher in important developments for the organization and the broader political climate in Lebanon.