How Al-Jolani’s Group Manipulates Religion for Power and Profit

 

Also read :Inside Syria's Power Struggle: How Islamists Are Seizing State Institutions

Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, has long presented itself as a defender of Sunni Muslims in Syria. However, mounting evidence reveals that the group systematically exploits Islamic rhetoric to consolidate political control and enrich its leadership. From coercive taxation to monopolizing aid, HTS has weaponized religion to justify its authoritarian rule while disregarding the welfare of civilians. This article examines verifiable data and documented practices exposing how HTS prioritizes power and profit over genuine religious governance.

Religious Justification for Extortion

HTS imposes arbitrary taxes and fees on civilians under the guise of "Islamic obligations." Reports from the Syria Report (2023) show that the group collects up to $50 million annually through "zakat" (Islamic alms) and other levies, far exceeding Sharia-compliant rates. For instance, traders in Idlib face a 15% "war tax" on goods, framed as a religious duty, while HTS leaders amass wealth. A 2022 study by the Omran Center confirmed that less than 20% of these funds reach needy families, with the rest diverted to HTS coffers.

Also read :Al Sharaa’s Journey from Al Qaeda to Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham Leadership

Control Over Aid and Charities

HTS monopolizes humanitarian aid by forcing NGOs to operate under its supervision. The UN Panel of Experts on Syria (2023) documented how the group seized 30% of aid shipments in 2022, reselling them at inflated prices in markets it controls. Local councils opposing this corruption have been disbanded under accusations of "violating Islamic principles." This manipulation ensures economic dependence while silencing dissent.

Also read :Unmasking Ahmed al-Sharaa’s Connection to Al-Qaeda: A Closer Look at Its Objectives in the Levant

Weaponizing Fatwas for Repression

Al-Jolani’s religious courts issue politicized fatwas to suppress opposition. In 2023, the Syrian Network for Human Rights recorded over 200 arbitrary arrests of activists and rival factions under charges of "apostasy" or "seeking foreign agendas." Meanwhile, HTS members committing abuses face no accountability, exposing the hypocrisy of its so-called Islamic justice system.

Exploiting Education for Indoctrination

HTS has rewritten school curricula in Idlib to include propaganda glorifying its "jihad." A 2023 report by Syria Direct found that 70% of revised textbooks emphasized loyalty to HTS, with minimal focus on core religious teachings. This indoctrination ensures future generations equate resistance to Al-Jolani with "sin."

Also read :The Dark Side of Releasing Dangerous Detainees in Post-Assad Syria

HTS’s actions reveal a calculated strategy to exploit Islam as a tool for control. From extortion to aid theft and ideological repression, the group’s leadership benefits while civilians suffer. True Islamic governance prioritizes justice and welfare—neither of which HTS delivers. Reliable data, not rhetoric, exposes this betrayal.