Muslim Brotherhood

Definition

The Muslim Brotherhood is a transnational Islamic organization founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna, aimed at promoting Islamic values and political activism through social and religious reform. This organization has played a significant role in the resurgence of political Islam, advocating for the implementation of Islamic law and influencing various movements across the Arab world and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Muslim Brotherhood was established as a response to Western colonialism and the perceived decline of Islamic values in society.
2. The organization has been involved in various forms of social work, including education and healthcare, aiming to address societal issues while promoting its vision of an Islamic society.
3. Throughout its history, the Muslim Brotherhood has faced persecution and opposition from various governments, leading to its members often operating underground or in exile.
4. The group's influence grew significantly during the Arab Spring, particularly in Egypt, where it emerged as a major political force after the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011.
5. Different branches of the Muslim Brotherhood exist worldwide, each adapting its ideology and strategies to fit local contexts while maintaining the core principles of the original organization.

Review Questions

• Discuss how the Muslim Brotherhood’s social programs contribute to its political influence within societies.
  • The Muslim Brotherhood's social programs play a crucial role in enhancing its political influence by addressing community needs such as education, healthcare, and social welfare. By engaging directly with communities and providing essential services, the organization builds a strong grassroots support base. This not only fosters loyalty among followers but also positions the Brotherhood as a viable alternative to government services, thereby increasing its appeal during political transitions or crises.
• Evaluate the impact of the Arab Spring on the Muslim Brotherhood's status and influence in Egypt.
  • The Arab Spring significantly elevated the status of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, allowing it to emerge as a dominant political force after President Hosni Mubarak's ousting. In 2012, Mohamed Morsi, a member of the Brotherhood, was elected president, marking a historic moment for the organization. However, this newfound power was short-lived, as Morsi was ousted by a military coup in 2013, leading to severe repression of Brotherhood members and influencing its strategies and operations both domestically and internationally.
• Analyze the relationship between the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist movements worldwide, considering both similarities and differences.
  • The relationship between the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist movements is characterized by both cooperation and contention. While many groups share common goals of implementing Islamic law and promoting socio-political reform through Islam, their methods and ideological foundations can differ significantly. For instance, Salafist movements often reject political engagement in favor of a purist approach to Islam, whereas the Brotherhood actively participates in electoral politics. These distinctions highlight how contextual factors shape each group's approach to activism while still contributing to a broader narrative of religious resurgence across different regions.

Related terms

Islamism: A political ideology that seeks to implement Islamic principles and laws in government and society, often emphasizing a return to fundamental religious values.

Political Islam: A broad term referring to movements that seek to incorporate Islamic principles into political governance, often resulting in varying interpretations and practices across different contexts.

Salafism: An ultra-conservative movement within Sunni Islam that advocates a return to the practices of the early Muslim community and strictly adheres to a literal interpretation of Islamic texts.