Muslim Brotherhood

Definition

The Muslim Brotherhood is a transnational Islamic organization founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna, aiming to promote Islamic values and establish a society governed by Islamic law. The Brotherhood has played a significant role in modern Islamic political movements, influencing various social, political, and religious landscapes across the Arab world and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Muslim Brotherhood was established as a response to British colonial rule and social issues in Egypt, aiming to address poverty and education through Islamic charity and community work.
2. The organization has been involved in various political activities, including participating in elections and forming political parties, most notably winning power in Egypt after the 2011 revolution.
3. Despite its initial focus on social reform, the Brotherhood has been accused of promoting an agenda that threatens secular governance and minority rights in some countries.
4. In recent years, the Muslim Brotherhood has faced significant repression in Egypt, especially following the military coup in 2013 that removed President Mohamed Morsi, a member of the Brotherhood.
5. The influence of the Muslim Brotherhood has extended beyond Egypt, impacting Islamic movements in countries like Jordan, Tunisia, and even further afield, sparking both support and opposition across the region.

Review Questions

• How did the founding of the Muslim Brotherhood reflect the socio-political climate of Egypt during the late 1920s?
  • The founding of the Muslim Brotherhood by Hassan al-Banna in 1928 was a direct response to the socio-political challenges faced by Egyptians under British colonial rule. The organization emerged during a time of widespread poverty and educational deficits, seeking to address these issues through Islamic principles. By emphasizing social reform and charitable work, the Brotherhood aimed to foster a sense of community and identity among Egyptians while also pushing back against foreign influence.
• Discuss the impact of the Muslim Brotherhood's participation in Egyptian politics after the 2011 revolution.
  • After the 2011 revolution, the Muslim Brotherhood significantly influenced Egyptian politics by forming the Freedom and Justice Party and winning elections, culminating in Mohamed Morsi becoming president. This marked a historical shift as it was one of the first instances where an Islamist group gained power through democratic processes. However, their governance faced challenges such as economic issues and opposition from secular groups, leading to widespread protests that ultimately resulted in a military coup in 2013.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the repression faced by the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt for other Islamist movements across the Middle East.
  • The repression of the Muslim Brotherhood following the 2013 coup has created significant ramifications for Islamist movements throughout the Middle East. This repression serves as a cautionary tale for other groups about potential backlash against political Islam. As governments become increasingly wary of Islamist movements, it may push these groups either underground or toward more radical approaches. The Brotherhood's experience could lead to divisions within Islamist groups regarding strategies for political participation versus armed resistance, influencing future political dynamics across the region.

Related terms

Hassan al-Banna: The founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, he emphasized the need for social reform based on Islamic principles and advocated for a revival of Islamic values in society.

Islamism:

A political ideology that seeks to implement Islamic law and principles in government and society, often associated with movements like the Muslim Brotherhood.

Jihadism: A more militant interpretation of Islam that advocates for armed struggle in defense of Islam, often at odds with the non-violent approach of the Muslim Brotherhood.