In an interview with ILKHA, Dr. Marwan Muhammad Abu Ras, a Hamas MP and prominent Islamic scholar, shared insights into his academic career, relationships with Hamas’s martyred leaders, and the ongoing resistance in Gaza against Israeli occupation.

Dr. Marwan Abu Ras, whose full name is Dr. Marwan Muhammad Abu Ras Abu Asim, detailed his educational journey, which began at the Islamic University in Madinah al-Munawwara, where he studied dawah and religious sciences (usul al-din). He then pursued his master's degree at the University of Jordan in Amman, before completing his doctorate at the Fifth Muhammad University in Rabat, Morocco.

Upon returning to Gaza, Dr. Abu Ras became a lecturer at the Islamic University, where he held various prestigious positions. Over the years, he served as deputy dean of the Faculty of Usūl al-Dīn, dean of evening education, and head of the Qur'an and Sunnah Centre at the university. He also served as the president of the Palestinian Union of Scholars in Gaza, further establishing his role as a leading figure in Islamic scholarship and activism.

Dr. Abu Ras reflected on his long-standing relationships with the founding figures of Hamas, particularly the martyrs Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Ismail Haniyeh, and Yahya Sinwar. His first meeting with Sheikh Ahmed Yassin occurred in 1974, and their bond grew stronger over the years. Dr. Abu Ras recalled visiting Sheikh Yassin's home, which was a central gathering place for people in Gaza, addressing social and community issues.

In 2003, an assassination attempt on Sheikh Yassin at Dr. Abu Ras’s home resulted in a bombing, but miraculously, Sheikh Yassin survived the attack. However, just months later, Sheikh Yassin was martyred. Dr. Abu Ras described Yassin as a pivotal leader, whose influence was felt not only in the religious sphere but also in his efforts to resolve societal issues within Gaza.

Dr. Abu Ras also spoke about his relationship with Ismail Haniyeh, a former student of his at the Islamic University. Haniyeh’s character and respect for his mentors left a lasting impression on Dr. Abu Ras, and their relationship evolved as Haniyeh rose to leadership within Hamas after the martyrdom of Sheikh Yassin. Dr. Abu Ras highlighted Haniyeh's moral integrity and leadership, especially following Hamas' victory in the 2006 legislative elections.

His ties with Yahya Sinwar, another prominent figure within Hamas, date back to Sinwar’s time as a student at the Islamic University. Their relationship grew stronger after Sinwar's release from an Israeli prison, where he had been incarcerated for 25 years. Sinwar went on to become the leader of Hamas in Gaza, and Dr. Abu Ras maintained close ties with him through their shared roles in the legislative assembly and Hamas' political activities.

Shifting focus to the situation in Gaza, Dr. Abu Ras provided a sobering account of the ongoing suffering under the Zionist occupation. He condemned the crimes being committed in Gaza, emphasizing the role of European countries, especially Britain, in facilitating the establishment of the Zionist state. He described the “Aqsa Flood” operation as a powerful rejection of the occupation, sparked by the desecration of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Dr. Abu Ras also criticized the unwavering support that the West, particularly the United States and European nations, provides to the Zionist entity, which continues to prolong the suffering of the Palestinian people. Despite the overwhelming external support for Israel, he noted that the Palestinian resistance remains steadfast and continues to grow stronger. "The rightful owner does not forget his right," he declared, underscoring the unwavering determination of the Palestinian people.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where basic resources such as food, water, and medicine are in short supply, was another critical point Dr. Abu Ras highlighted. Despite the difficult conditions, including the destruction of vital infrastructure like water wells, he expressed optimism about the resilience of the people in Gaza. "Our resistance, patience, and solidarity will lead us to victory, Inshallah," he affirmed.

In closing, Dr. Abu Ras delivered a message of hope and resolve. He condemned the betrayals by certain Arab states and the manipulative tactics of the West, but he remained confident that these efforts would ultimately fail. He firmly believes that the Palestinian cause will triumph, and that Israel’s occupation will come to an end. "With Allah’s permission, victory is near," he stated, expressing his deep conviction that the end of the Zionist entity is imminent.

As Gaza continues to endure immense suffering, Dr. Abu Ras’s words reflect the undying spirit of resistance and the relentless pursuit of justice that defines the Palestinian struggle for freedom and self-determination. (ILKHA)