Muslim Brotherhood

Definition

The Muslim Brotherhood is a transnational Sunni Islamic organization founded in Egypt in 1928, aiming to promote Islamic values and social reform while establishing a political system based on Islamic law. It has played a significant role in various Arab Spring uprisings, seeking to influence governance and society in alignment with its interpretation of Islam, thereby affecting regional dynamics and foreign policy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Muslim Brotherhood originated in Egypt as a response to British colonial rule and aimed to provide social services while promoting Islamic teachings.
2. The organization gained political power during the Arab Spring, particularly after the 2011 Egyptian revolution, where it won elections and formed a government under President Mohamed Morsi.
3. The Brotherhood's rule faced significant opposition, leading to its ousting by a military coup in 2013, which dramatically shifted the political landscape in Egypt.
4. The group's ideology has inspired similar movements in other countries across the Middle East and North Africa, influencing political Islam globally.
5. In recent years, many governments have classified the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization or a threat to national security due to its perceived opposition to secular governance.

Review Questions

• How did the Muslim Brotherhood's actions during the Arab Spring reflect its goals for governance?
  • During the Arab Spring, the Muslim Brotherhood sought to capitalize on the political upheaval by promoting its vision of governance rooted in Islamic principles. By participating in protests and later winning elections, they aimed to establish a government that aligned with their interpretation of Sharia law. This demonstrated their commitment to transforming the political landscape in Egypt and beyond into one reflective of their values and ideologies.
• Evaluate the impact of the Muslim Brotherhood's governance on Egyptian society after the 2011 revolution.
  • After gaining power following the 2011 revolution, the Muslim Brotherhood attempted to implement policies that emphasized Islamic values in governance. However, their governance faced criticism for being exclusionary and not addressing economic issues effectively. The polarization between secularists and Islamists escalated societal tensions, contributing to unrest and ultimately resulting in their removal from power in 2013. This period highlighted the challenges of reconciling diverse political ideologies within a rapidly changing society.
• Analyze the broader implications of the Muslim Brotherhood's influence on regional politics following their ousting from power in Egypt.
  • The ousting of the Muslim Brotherhood from power had significant ramifications for regional politics, as it underscored a backlash against Islamist movements in several countries. This led to a crackdown on similar organizations across the Middle East and North Africa, altering political dynamics and intensifying sectarian divides. The event also influenced U.S. foreign policy towards these movements, shifting towards support for more secular governments amidst concerns about stability. The Brotherhood's legacy continues to shape discussions around political Islam and democracy in the region.

Related terms

Islamism: A political ideology that seeks to implement Islamic principles in government and public life, often advocating for a return to what is perceived as the original Islamic way of life.

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.

Sharia Law: The moral and legal code based on Islamic principles that governs various aspects of life for Muslims, including politics, business, and personal conduct.