Muslim Brotherhood

Definition

The Muslim Brotherhood is a transnational Islamist organization founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna, aiming to promote Islamic values and governance. It has played a crucial role in shaping the discourse on political Islam, influencing both regional politics and various Islamist movements throughout the Middle East and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Muslim Brotherhood was founded by Hassan al-Banna in response to British colonial rule and Western influence in Egypt.
2. Throughout its history, the organization has oscillated between being a social and political movement, engaging in both grassroots community work and electoral politics.
3. The Muslim Brotherhood gained significant political power during the Arab Spring, notably winning the presidency in Egypt with Mohamed Morsi in 2012.
4. The group has faced severe crackdowns by various governments, particularly after Morsi's ousting in 2013, leading to its designation as a terrorist organization in several countries.
5. The Brotherhood's ideology emphasizes social justice, education, and community development, setting it apart from more militant Islamist groups.

Review Questions

• How did the founding principles of the Muslim Brotherhood shape its approach to political activism and governance?
  • The Muslim Brotherhood was founded on principles of Islamic reform and social justice, which shaped its approach to political activism by advocating for an Islamic state governed by Sharia law. This ideological foundation led the organization to engage in various activities, from grassroots community building to electoral politics. The emphasis on moral and social values influenced their governance model, promoting education and social welfare as part of their political agenda.
• What impact did the Muslim Brotherhood have on regional politics following the Arab Spring, particularly in Egypt?
  • Following the Arab Spring, the Muslim Brotherhood emerged as a significant political force in Egypt, successfully winning elections and establishing a government under Mohamed Morsi. This period marked a dramatic shift in Egyptian politics, as the Brotherhood sought to implement its vision of Islamic governance. However, their rule faced opposition from secular groups and the military, leading to Morsi's ousting and a subsequent crackdown on the Brotherhood, which significantly impacted its political influence in Egypt and across the region.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Muslim Brotherhood's rise and fall for Islamist movements throughout the Middle East.
  • The rise and fall of the Muslim Brotherhood have had profound implications for Islamist movements across the Middle East. Its initial success during the Arab Spring demonstrated that there was popular support for political Islam within a democratic framework. However, the subsequent repression faced by the Brotherhood has led to fragmentation within Islamist groups, with some adopting more radical stances while others seek political engagement through different means. This dynamic has reshaped political landscapes, pushing some movements towards militancy while others strive for reformist approaches.

Related terms

Islamism: A political ideology advocating for the implementation of Islamic principles in government and society.

Hamas: An offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas is a Palestinian militant organization that also engages in social services, operating primarily in the Gaza Strip.

Salafism: A conservative movement within Sunni Islam that seeks to return to the practices of the early generations of Muslims, often seen as opposing the more politically engaged approaches of groups like the Muslim Brotherhood.