Muslim Brotherhood

Definition

The Muslim Brotherhood is a transnational Islamic organization founded in Egypt in 1928, aiming to promote Islamic values and governance while providing social services. This group has played a significant role in the political landscape of North Africa, particularly during the Arab Spring, as it sought to mobilize public support for democratic reforms and the establishment of an Islamic state.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Muslim Brotherhood was founded by Hassan al-Banna in 1928, initially focusing on social, educational, and religious reforms in Egypt.
2. During the Arab Spring in 2011, the Brotherhood gained significant political power, winning elections and forming a government after the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak.
3. In 2013, a military coup led to the removal of President Mohamed Morsi, a member of the Brotherhood, resulting in a crackdown on the organization by the new government.
4. The Muslim Brotherhood has branches in various countries, including Tunisia, Jordan, and Libya, influencing local politics and social movements.
5. The group's ideology combines religious conservatism with activism, often emphasizing the need for Islamic governance while providing social services to gain popular support.

Review Questions

• How did the Muslim Brotherhood's role evolve during the Arab Spring and what were the implications for Egyptian politics?
  • During the Arab Spring, the Muslim Brotherhood emerged as a key political player after long being suppressed by previous regimes. The group capitalized on popular discontent with the Mubarak government and successfully participated in elections, ultimately leading to Mohamed Morsi becoming Egypt's first democratically elected president. This evolution highlighted the Brotherhood's ability to mobilize support but also revealed deep divisions within Egyptian society regarding their vision for governance.
• Evaluate the impact of the military coup in 2013 on the Muslim Brotherhood and its subsequent actions in Egypt.
  • The military coup in 2013 had a devastating impact on the Muslim Brotherhood, leading to widespread arrests and a brutal crackdown on its members. Morsi's ousting marked a significant setback for the organization, which had previously gained substantial political power. In response to repression, many Brotherhood members turned to underground activities or radicalized positions, further polarizing Egyptian society and complicating future efforts at reconciliation or political participation.
• Analyze how the Muslim Brotherhood's ideology influences its strategies in different countries across North Africa.
  • The Muslim Brotherhood's ideology emphasizes a combination of social justice, Islamic governance, and community service, which influences its strategies in various North African countries. In places like Tunisia and Morocco, it has adapted to local contexts by engaging in democratic processes while promoting moderate Islamist policies. Conversely, in countries facing more authoritarian regimes or significant unrest, like Egypt or Libya, it may resort to more radical tactics or align with other movements to challenge existing power structures. This adaptability reflects both its ideological commitment and its pragmatic approach to varying political landscapes.

Related terms

Arab Spring: A series of anti-government protests and uprisings across the Arab world starting in late 2010, which aimed for political reform and increased freedoms.

Salafism: A conservative movement within Sunni Islam that advocates for a return to what its followers consider the purest form of Islam based on the practices of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions.

Islamism: A political ideology that seeks to implement Islamic law (Sharia) and promote governance based on Islamic principles in society.