@article{article_1642480, title={Beyond Sectarianism: Hezbollah and the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood’s Evolving Alliance in the Context of the Al-Aqsa Flood}, journal={Sakarya Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi}, volume={27}, pages={36–53}, year={2025}, DOI={10.17335/sakaifd.1642480}, author={Duman, Talha İsmail}, keywords={Middle Eastern Studies, Hezbollah, Jama’a al-Islamiyya, Lebanon, Sectarianism, Fajr Forces}, abstract={This article examines the historical and evolving relationship between Hezbollah and Jama’a al-Islamiyya, the Lebanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, with a particular focus on the military collaboration between Hezbollah and Jama’a al-Islamiyya’s armed wing, the Fajr Forces, following the October 2023 Al-Aqsa Flood operation. While ideological and sectarian differences exist between the Shia Hezbollah and Sunni Jama’a al-Islamiyya, these groups had previously cooperated. However, following Lebanon’s growing political polarization after 2005, they began aligning with opposing political camps, and these divisions became even more apparent with the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War. The study adopts a qualitative case study approach, drawing on media analyses, official statements, and academic literature to investigate the political and strategic factors enabling this renewed cooperation. Key drivers include the shared perception of Israel as a common threat, leadership transitions within Jama’a al-Islamiyya that reduced Saudi influence, and Hamas-mediated dialogue that helped facilitate this coordination. Contrary to sectarian-based interpretations, the findings show that this partnership reflects how political and military needs can override sectarian reflexes. It does not signal ideological convergence but rather a willingness to cross sectarian boundaries under certain conditions. The article also contributes to broader discussions on sectarianization and de-sectarianization by illustrating how political actors often shape and redefine sectarian identities in the Middle East in response to changing geopolitical realities. In this context, the Hezbollah–Fajr Forces cooperation offers a compelling example of how cross-sectarian alliances can emerge in dynamic conflict environments and reshape local political-military landscapes.}, number={1}, publisher={Sakarya University}