Abdullah Azzam

Abdullah Azzam was a Palestinian Islamic scholar and militant who became a prominent figure in the struggle against Soviet occupation in Afghanistan during the 1980s. He promoted the idea that Muslims worldwide should unite and defend their faith through jihad, or holy fighting. Azzam founded the militant group that later influenced Al-Qaeda, emphasizing the importance of ideological commitment and sacrifice. His teachings inspired many to view jihad as a religious duty and a means to resist oppression, making him a key ideological influence in modern Islamist militant movements.