“It’s important for everyone to realize that America is not a promoter of peace but instead supports terrorism, occupation, destruction, division, and regime changes around the globe. It has played a role in the creation of ISIS and extremist groups, and the appropriate response from the nation can be expressed in two words: ‘Down with America.’”Who was Syed Hassan Nasrallah (SHN)?Capturing the essence of an extraordinary leader in less than a thousand words feels impossible, SHN excelled in faith, politics, military camaraderie, diplomacy, generosity, humility, & sincerity.
They believed they had silenced a great leader and extinguished a volcano raging with fire, but a year later, Sayyed Hassan lives on in our hearts. The day the world shook and fell into an unsettling stillness was broken only by the sounds of tears, cries, and grief echoing through hollow souls. Honoring martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah: a resilient voice that stood unyielding against oppression and tyranny. On the day 84 bunker-buster bombs, each weighing 900 to 2000 kg, rocked a small neighborhood in Dahiyeh, all aimed at one man and one man alone, what does this say about Nasrallah? Such bombs, as per the Geneva Convention, are illegal in densely populated areas like Dahiyeh and Beirut. Never before had such overwhelming force been used to target a single individual.On September 27 last year, Lebanon experienced a moment that deeply touched its soul. SHN, a symbol of resistance and dignity, faced the impact of eighty bombs, fire, and steel. Yet, from the destruction, his legacy only grew stronger. Inspired by Nasrallah, thousands are now prepared to stand against the Zionist occupying regime. A year has passed since the great leader’s martyrdom, and his absence has only fueled the Resistance’s determination. His sacrifice wasn’t the end but the spark that inspired freedom fighters from China to Palestine. His blood now stands as a symbol of unyielding strength; a powerful emblem of a nation united against neo-colonialism and Zionism. With his black turban, representing his lineage from the Prophet, thin glasses, and thick beard, SHN has been the face of Hezbollah for over thirty years. Renowned for his exceptional qualities, often likened to those of the Prophet Muhammad, he has excelled as a statesman, diplomat, religious figure, political leader, and military strategist. He has shown remarkable leadership, countered Zionist conspiracies and propaganda, and struck fear into the nation’s adversaries. SHN was more than just a name; his speeches and military actions changed the balance of power and struck fear into his enemies. Despite numerous assassination attempts, the Resistance remains unwavering. Each attack is met with Nasrallah’s unyielding spirit and strategic legacy, honoring the sacrifices of martyrs. Today, the Muslim continues to carry SHN’s torch, standing against the Zionist entity and rejecting normalization efforts pushed by illegitimate Arab monarchies. SHN continues to inspire the faithful, who remain steadfast and determined in their quest for liberation until every part of Al Quds, Mecca, Medina, and all Arab lands are free from monarchies, dictatorial regime, neo-colonial and imperialist Zionist military bases. His enduring motto was: We shall pray in Jerusalem—Muslims in Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Christians in the Church of the Nativity or the Holy Sepulcher. SHN’s influence extended far beyond Lebanon, embodying both a symbol and a leader of the Resistance against American imperialism and Zionist colonialism. SHN devoted his life to sacrifice and resistance, enduring the loss of his son and loved ones along the way. Despite these challenges, he stood firm, defending his nation’s dignity and sovereignty, with Al-Quds Jerusalem and the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque as his core causes. Ziyad al-Nakhalah, the Secretary-General of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), paid tribute by calling Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah the “Master of martyrs of Palestine,” highlighting the profound respect and admiration Palestinians have for him. Under Nasrallah’s leadership, whose name translates to “victory through God,” Hezbollah transformed from a grassroots armed movement into Lebanon’s most prominent political party in recent history. He became a key figure in the global Axis of Resistance, known for his groundbreaking speeches that blended faith, strategy, and defiance to create a compelling narrative of resistance against imperialism. These speeches resonated across Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, and beyond, often played in taxis throughout the disillusioned Arab world, as they were banned by ruling Arab kingdoms. The speeches of the martyr SHN carried an impact beyond words. His messages reflected strength, courage, resilience, defiance, faith, surrender to God, spirituality, devotion, kindness, and love. He transformed crises into hope, oppression into resistance, and death into martyrdom. On a global scale, he is recognized as a symbol of steadfastness, unity, and faith. These speeches created a comprehensive school of Ahlul Bayt, leaving a priceless legacy for his followers and documenting Hezbollah’s foundation and growth. He achieved both victory and martyrdom simultaneously. SHN transcended Lebanon's political borders and sectarian divides, emerging as a charismatic leader who brought people from diverse backgrounds together. Embodying justice, nobility, ethics, and eloquence, he shone with his captivating on-screen presence, warm laughter, genuine smile, and talent for making complex laws and decisions understandable. Through his actions and words, he built a strong bond with people, becoming a symbol of unity, resilience, and deep national and Islamic pride. I won’t delve into the details of SHN’s life and legacy, but like his mentor and teacher, he studied under Syed Muhammed Baqir al-Sadr and Syed Abbas al-Moussawi, both of whom also became martyrs. SHN was more than just a military leader or the Secretary General of Hezbollah; he symbolized resistance against injustice and occupation. While many regional leaders were caught up in political compromises, SHN took a bold and noble path marked by courage and honor. Emerging from Lebanon’s hardships, his voice resonated widely, inspiring hope and resilience in Gaza, Yemen, Iraq, and oppressed communities around the world. Inspired by Ashura’s legacy, Nasrallah framed resistance as more than just a military act—it became a way of life. For him, the fight against injustice was grounded in simplicity, unity with the people, and preserving human dignity. Imam Husayn’s declaration, “Heyhat منا الذلة” (Heyhāt Menna Zella), meaning “Never shall we accept subjugation,” symbolized an unwavering refusal to succumb to defeat or humiliation. SHEN’s impact extends beyond history and speeches, resonating in the hearts and actions of those who strive for justice and freedom. Sayyed Nasrallah’s courage, sacrifice, and commitment continue to inspire all who resist oppression and uphold dignity across the region. When Zionists tried to create divisions within the Ummah, Nasrallah emphasized unity as the strongest defense, quoting Imam Khomeini: “Anyone who differentiates Muslims into Shia and Sunni is neither of them.” His martyrdom anniversary is more than a date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to reflect on his inspiring legacy and reaffirm the values he championed. Nasrallah underscored that death is the path of truth, a message that holds great significance today as the Islamic world faces false narratives spread by Zionists and America. Few leaders can match SHN’s remarkable communication skills, seamlessly weaving metaphors and analogies into his speeches. Like Mandela, he defended the legitimacy of principled resistance. Like Gandhi, he embodied humility and moral authority. Like MLK, Malcolm X, and Che Guevara, his struggle transcended national boundaries. A pioneer in psychological warfare, he was a doctor who infused society with the spirit of victory. Both allies and opponents found him deeply perplexing. His thought-provoking speeches on the martyrdom of his 18-year-old son on the frontline, the 2006 withdrawal of the Zionist occupying regime, and his messages to the illegitimate Arab rulers remain impactful and thought-provoking. During the 2006 war, Hezbollah dismantled the perception of Israeli invincibility, causing both a military and psychological upheaval. On July 14, 2006, just two days after Israel initiated its assault on Lebanon, SHN declared in a speech: “To the Zionists and the people of Israel at this hour I say; you will soon realize how foolish and unwise your rulers are... You do not know who you are fighting today. You are fighting the children of our noble Prophet Muhammad, Ali (Haider), Hassan, Hussein, and the Prophet’s Companions.” In the same address, Nasrallah also spoke to Arab rulers, stating, “We have never for one moment counted on you. We have trusted in God, our people, our hearts, our hands, and our children. Remember, you lost Masjid Al Aqsa to the Zionists in the six-day war of 1967.” Many Lebanese supporters of Palestine criticized SHN for exercising discipline and remarkable restraint by refraining from using the weaponry at his disposal, which could have caused significant casualties in Tel Aviv. However, he explained to his comrades that he was "engaged in battle for Allah's cause" and chose not to overshadow the Palestinian fighters who have endured 75 years of occupation, ethnic cleansing, and bombing. He expressed confidence that victory would come through the Palestinians, and we would all pray together at Masjid-ul-Aqsa with the Palestinians. This highlights the sharp contrast between Israeli and Islamic leadership. Meanwhile, the West brands Nasrallah as a terrorist while depicting the Israeli Occupying Force (IOF) as a moral army. If that’s the case, why is genocide occurring? The IOF struggles with internal issues such as suicide, mental health problems, and desertion. Despite the immense financial backing of the Imperialists and Zionists, they fail to create a freedom fighter driven by faith and the pursuit of martyrdom. In his final two speeches, he repeatedly mentioned that he would speak to us again if he were still alive, a sentiment he had never expressed in earlier addresses. It was clear he understood the enemy was closing in and that martyrdom was inevitable. Norman Finkelstein noted that SHN should have taken safety measures, but SHN lived a selfless life and was never going to abandon the fight against Israel to save himself. Like Imam Hussein, who courageously stood against injustice and tyranny when others lacked bravery, SHN stood against genocide and occupation, sacrificing his life for the Palestinian cause.. Humanity witnesses genocide unfolding in real time, reflecting on God’s words in the Quran and acknowledging their responsibility. “And how could you refuse to fight in the cause of Allah and for the utterly helpless men, women, and children who cry, ‘Oh our Sustainer! Lead us to freedom from this oppressive society, and raise for us, out of Your grace, a Protector, and raise for us, out of Your grace, one who will bring us support.’” Quran, Chapter 4, Verse 6. In September 1997, Nasrallah’s eldest son, Hadi, who was 18 years old, was killed in clashes with Israeli forces in Jabal al-Rafi’s, southern Lebanon, and his body was taken by the Israelis. Despite the devastating news, Nasrallah remained calm and composed. At a Hezbollah rally the following day, he addressed the crowd, stating, “We in the leadership of Hezbollah do not spare our children and save them for the future. We take pride when our sons reach the frontline, and we stand with heads held high when they fall as martyrs.” About a year later, Hadi’s body was returned as part of an exchange deal, trading the body of an Israeli naval commando killed in 1997 for the release of 60 Lebanese prisoners and the remains of 39 fighters. Listening to SHN brings echoes of Imam Khomeini’s voice, his words resonating profoundly with Arabs and non-Arabs alike, touching the hearts of Muslims worldwide. No compromise, no retreat!When Hezbollah drove Zionist Israel out of Lebanon during the 2006 July War, Syed Hassan Nasrallah famously declared that Israel is “weaker than a spider’s web,” a phrase that continues to haunt its leaders. The worst our enemy can do is take our lives, but we refuse to accept defeat. Whether we achieve victory or face martyrdom, we still triumph. Martyrdom represents one of two noble outcomes, and the highest honor we can attain is to give our lives in the name of God.© 2025 Mohammed Khaku |