Muslim Brotherhood

Definition

The Muslim Brotherhood is an Islamist organization founded in Egypt in 1928, aiming to promote Islamic values and implement Sharia law in governance. It has played a pivotal role in the rise of political Islam in the Arab world, influencing various nationalist movements and shaping responses to authoritarian regimes, particularly during significant social and political upheavals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Muslim Brotherhood was founded by Hassan al-Banna in 1928 in Egypt, focusing on social reform and educational efforts alongside political activism.
2. The organization has been involved in numerous political movements across the Middle East, with branches established in various countries, influencing local politics and governance.
3. In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood gained significant political power after the 2011 revolution, leading to Mohamed Morsi becoming the first democratically elected president in 2012.
4. The group's relationship with authoritarian regimes has been complex; while often suppressed, they have also negotiated power-sharing arrangements when politically convenient.
5. The crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood following Morsi's ouster in 2013 led to widespread violence and human rights abuses, impacting its ability to operate as a political entity.

Review Questions

• How did the Muslim Brotherhood influence the growth of political Islam in the Arab world?
  • The Muslim Brotherhood significantly shaped political Islam by promoting Islamic values and seeking to implement Sharia law through political means. Its focus on social welfare programs, education, and grassroots mobilization helped it gain broad support across various demographics. This approach not only influenced its own political strategies but also inspired other Islamist movements in the region, contributing to a broader discourse on the role of Islam in governance.
• Evaluate the impact of the Muslim Brotherhood's rise to power during the Arab Spring on subsequent political dynamics in Egypt.
  • The rise of the Muslim Brotherhood to power during the Arab Spring marked a pivotal moment in Egypt's political landscape. Following the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak, the Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi was elected president. This moment brought significant changes but also sparked polarization within Egyptian society. Their governance style faced criticism for being authoritarian and exclusionary, which ultimately led to widespread protests and Morsi's ouster in 2013, setting off a violent crackdown against the Brotherhood and reshaping Egypt's political dynamics.
• Analyze how the relationship between authoritarian regimes and the Muslim Brotherhood has evolved over time, especially post-Arab Spring.
  • Historically, authoritarian regimes in the Middle East viewed the Muslim Brotherhood as a threat due to its popularity and Islamist agenda. However, post-Arab Spring, this relationship became more complex. Initially seen as a legitimate political force after Morsi’s election, their rapid rise created fears among military leaders and secular elites. The violent suppression following Morsi's ouster reflects a shift back to authoritarianism that perceives the Brotherhood not just as an opponent but as an existential threat to state stability. This ongoing tension underscores broader struggles over identity politics and governance in the region.

Related terms

Political Islam: A political ideology that seeks to apply Islamic principles to public life and governance, often advocating for the implementation of Sharia law.

Salafism: A conservative branch of Sunni Islam that emphasizes a return to the practices of the early generations of Muslims, often promoting a strict interpretation of Islamic teachings.

Arab Spring: A series of anti-government protests and uprisings across the Arab world that began in late 2010, leading to significant political changes in several countries.