Sayyid Qutb

Definition

Sayyid Qutb was an influential Egyptian Islamic thinker, writer, and activist whose ideas significantly shaped contemporary Islamic thought and political movements. He is best known for his role in the development of Islamic fundamentalism and for advocating a return to a strict interpretation of Islam as a response to Western influence and secularism. His works laid the groundwork for later Islamic political movements, particularly in their critique of Western societies and their calls for governance based on Islamic principles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sayyid Qutb was born in 1906 and became involved in Egyptian politics and literature, eventually joining the Muslim Brotherhood in the 1940s.
2. His book 'Milestones' outlines his views on Islamic society and governance, arguing for a revolutionary change towards a true Islamic state free from Western influences.
3. Qutb's writings emphasize the concept of jahiliyyah, which refers to the state of ignorance prevalent in societies that do not adhere to Islamic principles.
4. He was arrested in 1954 and subsequently executed in 1966, becoming a martyr figure for many within the Islamist movement.
5. Qutb's ideas have inspired various Islamist groups globally, shaping their strategies and ideologies towards activism, governance, and resistance against perceived Western imperialism.

Review Questions

• How did Sayyid Qutb's experiences in the United States influence his views on Western society?
  • Sayyid Qutb's experiences during his time studying in the United States deeply influenced his perspective on Western society. He observed what he considered moral decay and materialism, which he believed were detrimental to true Islamic values. This led him to argue that Western influences corrupted Muslim societies and intensified his call for a return to pure Islamic governance as a means of achieving social justice and moral integrity.
• Discuss how Sayyid Qutb's concept of jahiliyyah contributes to his critique of modern Muslim societies.
  • Sayyid Qutb's concept of jahiliyyah serves as a crucial part of his critique of modern Muslim societies. He argued that societies that do not fully implement Islamic law are living in ignorance, akin to pre-Islamic times. This idea was used to justify revolutionary action against governments he deemed un-Islamic, leading to his call for a complete restructuring of society based on strict adherence to Islamic principles.
• Evaluate the impact of Sayyid Qutb's thought on contemporary Islamic political movements and their relation to Western powers.
  • Sayyid Qutb's thought has had a profound impact on contemporary Islamic political movements by providing an ideological framework that critiques Western powers and promotes the establishment of Islamic governance. His emphasis on the necessity for jihad against jahiliyyah has inspired various groups to adopt more militant approaches in their resistance against perceived Western oppression. Qutb’s writings have also fueled debates within Islam about modernization, secularism, and how to balance traditional values with contemporary realities, highlighting tensions between Islamism and Western liberal values.

Related terms

Islamic Brotherhood: A political and social movement founded in Egypt in 1928, which seeks to implement Islamic principles in governance and society.

Jihad: In Islamic context, it refers to the struggle or effort in the way of God, often interpreted as both a personal spiritual struggle and, in some cases, a collective struggle against oppression.

Islamism:

A political ideology that seeks to implement Islamic principles in government and society, often advocating for a political system based on Islamic law (Sharia).