Biography
Early Life
Born in Brital, in the Beqaa Valley, Lebanon. Studied theology in Najaf, Iraq, for about nine years, where he was influenced by Lebanese cleric Musa al-Sadr, before returning to Lebanon and helping found Hezbollah with Abbas al-Musawi in 1982.
Subhi al-Tufayli (born 1948 in Brital, Beqaa Valley, Lebanon) is a Lebanese Shia cleric and one of the founders of Hezbollah, serving as its first Secretary-General from 1989 to 1991. He studied theology in Najaf, Iraq, for approximately nine years, where he was influenced by the Lebanese cleric Musa al-Sadr.
After returning to Lebanon, al-Tufayli joined Abbas al-Musawi in founding Hezbollah in the Beqaa Valley in 1982, as part of the broader Shia Islamist mobilization following the Iranian Revolution. He led the organization during its formative years, emphasizing armed resistance against Israel.
Following the death of co-founder Abbas al-Musawi, a leadership dispute emerged between al-Tufayli and the faction favored by Iran under Hassan Nasrallah, centered on al-Tufayli's insistence that Hezbollah avoid participation in Lebanese parliamentary politics. After violent confrontations between his followers and Hezbollah, he was expelled from the organization in 1998. He has since become one of the most prominent critics of Hezbollah and its alignment with Iran.
Education & Training
Islamic theological studies, Najaf Seminary, Iraq (approx. nine years)
Positions & Achievements
Co-founder of Hezbollah (1982)
1st Secretary-General of Hezbollah (1989-1991)
Founder of a breakaway movement critical of Hezbollah leadership (after 1998 expulsion)
Books & Works
Hezbollah's first Secretary-General; later expelled (1998) and became a prominent critic of Hezbollah's alignment with Iran.
