Words vs. Weapons: The Battle Between Pen and Rifle

On March 18, 2025, the tragic martyrdom of Naji Abu Seif, affectionately known as Abu Hamza, alongside his family, resonated deeply within the hearts of many. Known for his unwavering commitment to the teachings of Ahlulbayt (a), Abu Hamza tirelessly spread messages of resistance, dignity, and the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity. His speeches often reminded believers of their divine responsibilities, urging them to strive for God’s pleasure. In one of his powerful addresses, he declared, “Our position is clear: are we not on the side of truth? Then we do not care about bombardment, hunger, and displacement.”

Abu Hamza frequently drew parallels between his life and the profound legacy of Imam Husayn (as). He passionately quoted the moment when Ali Akbar (as) questioned his father, Imam Husayn (as): “Dear father, aren’t we on the side of the truth?” Imam Husayn (as) affirmed, “Yes, by Allah, we are indeed on the side of the truth.” This exchange culminated in Ali Akbar (as) proclaiming, “In that case, we have no fear of death.”

For Abu Hamza, resistance was not just a struggle but a way of life. He viewed martyrdom as a gateway to eternal existence, a belief rooted in the teachings of Imam Husayn (as). The resilience exhibited by Imam Husayn (as) against tyranny and his ultimate sacrifice serve as a powerful reminder to believers: this life is temporary, and to instigate meaningful change, one must confront the oppressors of our time, regardless of the risks involved.

The Palestinian struggle is a living testament to Imam Husayn’s (as) message of dignity and honor. Scholar Ali Reza Panahian once remarked, “The main and important reason for Aba Abdillah Al-Husayn’s (as) martyrdom was to preserve dignity.” The refusal to accept humiliation is evident in the steadfastness of the Palestinian people, who embody this principle. They remain resolute, understanding that to surrender is to forfeit their dignity. As Imam Husayn (as) famously articulated, “never will we accept humiliation.”

In an earlier address, Abu Hamza resonated with the sentiments of Lady Zainab (as) when she confronted Yazid after the Battle of Karbala, stating:

“O you deceitful criminal, strive as you may, exert your efforts and deploy your energy, for by Allah, you will not kill our determination, nor erase our memory, nor the disgrace of your actions in the Gaza Strip. Your gatherings will only be dispersed, and your days are numbered. We, by Allah, are the people of war and victory, and you are the ones who will lose.”

Abu Hamza was a beacon of unity, consistently advocating for solidarity among believers, standing against the divisive rhetoric of contemporary leaders who sow discord among different sects. His legacy is a call for unity, resilience, and unwavering faith in the face of oppression.

In his final speech, Abu Hamza expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who continue to fight for Palestine, stating:

“We faced this occupation with a group of believers from Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of one and a half billion Muslims. We pay tribute to the free people, and to the axis of resistance, starting with our resistant people in Lebanon. And the fighters of Hezbollah, who remained steadfast in the field, prevented the enemy from achieving its goals. They fought bravely, on every piece of land in the villages and border towns.”

“And we remember the martyr of the dear nation, the great leader, his eminence, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, may God have mercy on him, and his brothers, the martyrs, the leaders and fighters.”

As followers of Abu Hamza’s teachings, it is imperative to carry on the legacy of those who have sacrificed their lives for justice and dignity. Each individual has a unique role to play; whether through activism, writing, or other means, the essence lies in fulfilling our duties to uphold the dignity of our brothers and sisters and to preserve the values of Islam.

In conclusion, the martyrdom of figures like Abu Hamza serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and truth. It is a call to action for all believers to remain vigilant and committed to their responsibilities, ensuring that the sacrifices of the martyrs are never forgotten, and their messages continue to inspire future generations.