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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.

 


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أمثال عن الزراعة والأرض

    اعداد المؤرخ قاسم حجيج - Kassem Hejeij  "الزرع على قدّ الفلّاح" يشير هذا المثل إلى أن إنتاج الأرض يعتمد على مدى اجتهاد الفلاح واهتمامه بها، فكلما كان أكثر اجتهادًا، كانت محاصيله أفضل.   "الأرض بتعطي اللي بيعطيها" يعكس هذا المثل العلاقة القوية بين الفلاح والأرض، حيث أن العناية الجيدة بالأرض تضمن محصولًا وفيرًا.   "ما كل أرض بتنزرع، وما كل زرع بيثمر" يرمز هذا المثل إلى أن ليس كل الفرص مناسبة للنجاح، فكما أن هناك أراضٍ غير صالحة للزراعة، هناك أيضًا أمور في الحياة لا تؤدي إلى نتائج مثمرة.   "الزيتون إذا ما عصرته، ما بيعطي زيت" يشير هذا المثل إلى أن النجاح يحتاج إلى جهد وعمل، فكما أن الزيتون لا يُستخرج زيته إلا بالعصر، كذلك لا يحصل الإنسان على نتائج جيدة إلا بالاجتهاد.   "التبغ عزيز، بس الفلاح أتعس" يعكس هذا المثل حال الفلاحين الذين كانوا يزرعون التبغ، وهو محصول مربح لكنهم كانوا يعانون من استغلال السلطات العثمانية والتجار الكبار الذين كانوا يجنون الأرباح بينما الفلاح يبقى فقيرًا.     أمثال عن التجارة والمكسب والخسارة "البيع سمح، وال...
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Chapter Two: Ottoman Rule in Jabal Amel – Administration and Conflicts

     The History of Jabal ‘Amil 2 -  # Kassem_Hejeij  #قاسم_حجيج     The Jabal Amel region in Greater Syria came under Ottoman control in the early 16th century, marking the introduction of a new administrative system and strict regulations. However, the Ottoman rule faced significant social and political challenges due to the unique tribal and sectarian composition of the area. During this period, Jabal Amel witnessed multiple conflicts between the Ottomans and local authorities, alongside important economic and social transformations affecting the lives of its inhabitants .   Ottoman Administration and Governance : The Ottomans established a centralized administrative system dividing territories into sanjaks and districts, appointing officials to organize tax collection and maintain security. Jabal Amel was a strategically important region that required special attention. The Ottoman state relied heavily on local rulers—often noble families or t...
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