Chapter One: Jabal ‘Amil – Geography, History, and Religion (From the Beginnings to the Modern Era)

  

 

 The History of Jabal ‘Amil 1 – #Kassem_Hejeij #قاسم_حجيج

Jabal ‘Amil is located in southern Lebanon and is characterized by a distinctive geographic landscape. Bordered by coastal plains to the west and highlands to the east, its strategic position allowed its inhabitants to interact with surrounding cultural, political, and religious environments throughout history. The region's varied terrain—plains, mountains, and valleys—shaped local settlement patterns and supported a diverse economy based on agriculture and trade.

 

Archaeological discoveries indicate that Jabal ‘Amil has been continuously inhabited since ancient times, with evidence dating back to the Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Its location between the Syrian interior and the Lebanese coast made it a crossroads for various civilizations. During the Islamic era, the region emerged as a significant center of learning and religious scholarship, attracting scholars from other areas seeking refuge or a conducive environment for study and dissemination.

 

The Shi‘a identity of Jabal ‘Amil became prominent in the medieval period, particularly with the settlement of Shi‘a families and the migration of scholars from cities like Hillah and Najaf in Iraq. These movements helped solidify Twelver Shi‘ism in the region. Among the most influential figures was Muhammad ibn Makki al-Jizzini, known as “al-Shahid al-Awwal” (the First Martyr), who played a foundational role in shaping the region’s religious thought. He was followed by his students and successors, such as “al-Shahid al-Thani” (the Second Martyr), who continued the tradition of scholarship and institutional learning.

 

Jabal ‘Amil played a leading role in the Shi‘a Islamic intellectual movement, producing a remarkable number of scholars and thinkers who helped spread Ja‘fari thought not only in Lebanon but also across the Levant, Iran, and Iraq. The region contributed significantly to religious sciences, jurisprudence, philosophy, logic, and literature, enhancing its status as a beacon of knowledge and culture.

 

During the Ottoman period, Jabal ‘Amil faced political and military pressure due to its distinct religious identity and resistance to central Sunni authority, occasionally resulting in conflict with the state. Nevertheless, it maintained its cultural and religious distinctiveness. In the modern era, the region has been active in resisting various forms of occupation—from the Ottomans to the French and later the Israeli occupation—with religious leaders playing a key role in guiding and mobilizing the people.

 

The history of Jabal ‘Amil is not only marked by political events but also by the dynamic cultural and religious life of its people. Their ability to respond to challenges and preserve a unique identity amid a volatile region makes Jabal ‘Amil a compelling example of a land where geography, deep-rooted history, and faith have converged to sustain resilience and intellectual vibrancy.