Muslim Muslim BrotherhoodBrotherhood

ByBy

Fr. Rewis Awadalla Fr. Rewis Awadalla

August 2013August 2013

The FounderThe Founder Founded by Hasan El-Founded by Hasan El-

Banna in 1928 who Banna in 1928 who was a teacher at was a teacher at IsmaileyaIsmaileya

He founded it to be a He founded it to be a religious organization religious organization for observing the for observing the Islamic principlesIslamic principles

He adapted extreme He adapted extreme religious principles at religious principles at the time of the revival the time of the revival of Wahabi ideologyof Wahabi ideology

His call aimed the revival of Islam to His call aimed the revival of Islam to restore the mighty Islamic nation after the restore the mighty Islamic nation after the fall of the Ottoman Empire after the WWIfall of the Ottoman Empire after the WWI

Many supported him in order to face the Many supported him in order to face the British occupation by the Islamic jihadBritish occupation by the Islamic jihad

His ideology was not widely spread due to His ideology was not widely spread due to the lack of financial support (contrary to the lack of financial support (contrary to nowadays)nowadays)

In 1932, this organization moved to Cairo, In 1932, this organization moved to Cairo, but their political activities didn’t start till but their political activities didn’t start till 19381938

In 1942, during the WWII, their ideology In 1942, during the WWII, their ideology spread in eastern Jordan, Palestine and spread in eastern Jordan, Palestine and Syria Syria

They claimed that there is an Islamic They claimed that there is an Islamic solution to all the social and financial solution to all the social and financial problems of the societyproblems of the society

They agreed with “Misr El-Fatah” party on They agreed with “Misr El-Fatah” party on refusing both the constitution and the refusing both the constitution and the political system believing that the Quran is political system believing that the Quran is the nation’s constitutionthe nation’s constitution

They believed in the Islamic nationality They believed in the Islamic nationality instead of the Egyptian nationalityinstead of the Egyptian nationality

Their political objectives are defined as:Their political objectives are defined as: Liberation of the Islamic nation from all forms Liberation of the Islamic nation from all forms

of occupation of occupation Building Free Islamic nation ruled by Islamic Building Free Islamic nation ruled by Islamic

Law (Sharia) and its principlesLaw (Sharia) and its principles

The General MurshidThe General Murshid

He is the top leader of the organizationHe is the top leader of the organization We identify 8 murshids (since 1928 till We identify 8 murshids (since 1928 till

now)now) Hasan El-Banna, the 1Hasan El-Banna, the 1stst Murshid, sent a Murshid, sent a

letter to all Muslim governors containing letter to all Muslim governors containing 50 principles in order to govern their 50 principles in order to govern their nation from an Islamic point of viewnation from an Islamic point of view

He rejected the foundation of any political He rejected the foundation of any political party party

The MB troops participated, for the 1The MB troops participated, for the 1stst time, in the 1948 War to liberate Palestine time, in the 1948 War to liberate Palestine

Political PracticePolitical Practice Since the foundation of MB, Hasan El-Since the foundation of MB, Hasan El-

Banna put the rules for practicing Banna put the rules for practicing politicspolitics

MB is not only a religious organization MB is not only a religious organization expressed radical Islam, but also a expressed radical Islam, but also a political institute political institute

Based on their understanding that Islam Based on their understanding that Islam should control all aspects of life, they should control all aspects of life, they intend to lead the nation and solve its intend to lead the nation and solve its problems by implementing Islamic Law problems by implementing Islamic Law and teachings and teachings

King Farouk became worried because of King Farouk became worried because of their popularity and strong weaponrytheir popularity and strong weaponry

Some MB members were condemned Some MB members were condemned for many bombingsfor many bombings

Their history includes political Their history includes political assassinations:assassinations: Prime Minister Ahmed Maher (February Prime Minister Ahmed Maher (February

1945)1945) Judge Ahmed El-Khazendar (March 1948)Judge Ahmed El-Khazendar (March 1948) Prime Minister Mahmoud Fahmy El-Prime Minister Mahmoud Fahmy El-

Noqurashy (or An-nukrashi) (December Noqurashy (or An-nukrashi) (December 1948)1948)

Cairo RulerCairo Ruler

They bombed many police centers in 1946They bombed many police centers in 1946 King Farouk approved the policy of PM El-King Farouk approved the policy of PM El-

Noqurashy to dissolve the MB and to Noqurashy to dissolve the MB and to assassinate Hasan El-Banna for his work assassinate Hasan El-Banna for his work against national securityagainst national security

Later, Abdel Meguid Hassan, a member of Later, Abdel Meguid Hassan, a member of MB, was caught for killing El-NoqurashyMB, was caught for killing El-Noqurashy

MB had condemned the assassination as a MB had condemned the assassination as a terrorist act incompatible with Islam, terrorist act incompatible with Islam, especially after El Banna’s declaration that especially after El Banna’s declaration that the killers are not Muslim and are not the killers are not Muslim and are not BrothersBrothers

His assassination in turn led to the His assassination in turn led to the assassination of Hasan El-Banna on 12 assassination of Hasan El-Banna on 12 February 1949February 1949

They called to kill every denomination They called to kill every denomination that disagrees with Islam (1948) that disagrees with Islam (1948)

They horrified the Jews, burned all their They horrified the Jews, burned all their belongings and destroyed their district belongings and destroyed their district completely (1948) completely (1948)

They also burned the Copts in Suez They also burned the Copts in Suez (1952)(1952)

Many accused them for burning Cairo Many accused them for burning Cairo before the revolution (1952) before the revolution (1952)

Sayid QotbSayid Qotb Was an Egyptian Islamic Was an Egyptian Islamic

author and educator author and educator The MB welcomed his The MB welcomed his

return from the USA to return from the USA to become an active member become an active member (1952) (1952)

Became a lead member of Became a lead member of the Egyptian MB (1948) and the Egyptian MB (1948) and editor-in-chief of the editor-in-chief of the Brothers’ weekly Al-Ikhwan Brothers’ weekly Al-Ikhwan al-Muslimin in the 1950s al-Muslimin in the 1950s and 60sand 60s

Headed MB calling sector and became Headed MB calling sector and became both an appointed member of the both an appointed member of the working committee and a member of its working committee and a member of its guidance councilguidance council

Had an Islamic project stating that “A Had an Islamic project stating that “A certain Islamic group should lead certain Islamic group should lead humanity to salvation”humanity to salvation”

Was influenced by the writings of earlier Was influenced by the writings of earlier Muslim fanatics like Ibn Hazm, Ibn Muslim fanatics like Ibn Hazm, Ibn Taimeyah, Hasan El-Banna, Al-Taimeyah, Hasan El-Banna, Al-Mowdodi…Mowdodi…

Was one of the early founders of the Was one of the early founders of the “Salafia Jihadeya” in the 60s “Salafia Jihadeya” in the 60s

Wrote 2 books:Wrote 2 books: ““In the shade of the Qur’an”In the shade of the Qur’an” (Fi Zilal Al-(Fi Zilal Al-

Quran)Quran) ““Milestones” (Ma’alem Fi Al-Tariqu)Milestones” (Ma’alem Fi Al-Tariqu)

All the Muslim groups nowadays are All the Muslim groups nowadays are adopting his teachings and are identified adopting his teachings and are identified as Qotbistsas Qotbists

Was the only civilian permitted to attend Was the only civilian permitted to attend the meetings of the Free Officers’ the meetings of the Free Officers’ CommitteeCommittee

Met with Nasser many times, sometimes Met with Nasser many times, sometimes for 12 hours a day to share ideas for 12 hours a day to share ideas

Soon, he disagreed with their ideology Soon, he disagreed with their ideology and promptly quit and promptly quit

Qotb and other MB members orchestrated Qotb and other MB members orchestrated a plot to assassinate Nasser in Alexandria a plot to assassinate Nasser in Alexandria on October 26, 1954 by Abdel Qader Audaon October 26, 1954 by Abdel Qader Auda

The attempt was foiled and Qotb was jailed The attempt was foiled and Qotb was jailed soon afterwards for 15 years and he was soon afterwards for 15 years and he was freed later due to his bad health in May, freed later due to his bad health in May, 19641964

A crackdown occurred on 1,000 MB A crackdown occurred on 1,000 MB membersmembers

Later he was allowed more mobility and to Later he was allowed more mobility and to write write

Was rearrested with others in August, 1965 Was rearrested with others in August, 1965 and was subjected to a trial to be executed and was subjected to a trial to be executed with 7 others in 1966with 7 others in 1966

MB Under Nasser’s MB Under Nasser’s Reign Reign

MB was banned since MB was banned since 19541954

MB claimed that the plot MB claimed that the plot to assassinate Nasser was to assassinate Nasser was just a preplanned play to just a preplanned play to crackdown against crackdown against Nasser’s opponentsNasser’s opponents

More than 350 MB More than 350 MB members died from members died from torturetorture

General Murshid, Hasan Al-Hudaybi, General Murshid, Hasan Al-Hudaybi, was condemned to death by the court, was condemned to death by the court, but his verdict was commuted, three but his verdict was commuted, three days later, to life in prisondays later, to life in prison

Many of them fled to Saudi Arabia and Many of them fled to Saudi Arabia and helped in establishing the kingdomhelped in establishing the kingdom

They convinced the Wahabis to carry They convinced the Wahabis to carry their message worldwide their message worldwide

They rephrased the Wahabi principles They rephrased the Wahabi principles in an easy language after receiving in an easy language after receiving financial support from these Wahabisfinancial support from these Wahabis

This led to Islamic revival worldwide This led to Islamic revival worldwide during the last 40 yearsduring the last 40 years

MB Under Sadat’s ReignMB Under Sadat’s Reign

Sadat gradually released imprisoned Sadat gradually released imprisoned Brothers and enlisted their help Brothers and enlisted their help against leftist groups in 1970against leftist groups in 1970

The organization was tolerated to an The organization was tolerated to an extent, but remained technically illegal extent, but remained technically illegal and subject to periodic crackdownsand subject to periodic crackdowns

They looted the Egyptian wealth They looted the Egyptian wealth through their financial institutes and through their financial institutes and collection of donations for building collection of donations for building mosques mosques

Their ideology was spread via schools, Their ideology was spread via schools, media, mosques, parties and media, mosques, parties and syndicatessyndicates

Political powers opposed Sadat’s Policy after Political powers opposed Sadat’s Policy after signing the peace treaty with Israel in 1979signing the peace treaty with Israel in 1979

Sadat ordered a major crackdown that Sadat ordered a major crackdown that resulted in the arrest of numerous opposition resulted in the arrest of numerous opposition figures on September 1981 including MBfigures on September 1981 including MB

Since then, Sadat himself became the enemy Since then, Sadat himself became the enemy of all Islamic groups, and was assassinated of all Islamic groups, and was assassinated by Islamic Jihad on October 6, 1981 by Islamic Jihad on October 6, 1981

MB Under Mubarak’s MB Under Mubarak’s ReignReign

Adopted reconciliation with all political Adopted reconciliation with all political powers, including MBpowers, including MB

Had limited involvement in the political Had limited involvement in the political arena to be the source of fear abroad, arena to be the source of fear abroad, as well as internally i.e. to the liberals as well as internally i.e. to the liberals and leftistsand leftists

In the 90s, the opposition grew against In the 90s, the opposition grew against his regime due to acknowledging Israel his regime due to acknowledging Israel and the strong relations between themand the strong relations between them

In the 2005 parliamentary elections, the In the 2005 parliamentary elections, the MB’s candidates, who had to run as MB’s candidates, who had to run as independents due to their illegality as a independents due to their illegality as a political party, won 88 seatspolitical party, won 88 seats

They represented 20% of the total They represented 20% of the total opposition while the legal opposition won opposition while the legal opposition won only 14 seatsonly 14 seats

In spite of this fact, they complained about In spite of this fact, they complained about electoral irregularitieselectoral irregularities

They also gained the seats at many They also gained the seats at many syndicates’ electionssyndicates’ elections

Their slogan was always “Islam is the Their slogan was always “Islam is the solution” solution”

Their terrorism against Copts and tourists Their terrorism against Copts and tourists increased during the 90s; a crackdown increased during the 90s; a crackdown occurred on their members from time to occurred on their members from time to time based on the Emergency Lawtime based on the Emergency Law

In Der Spiegel (December 20, 2004), In Der Spiegel (December 20, 2004), Mubarak said: “The Muslim Brotherhood Mubarak said: “The Muslim Brotherhood has a terrorist past. They have killed a has a terrorist past. They have killed a prime minister and others who don’t agree prime minister and others who don’t agree with their political goals. In 1954, they with their political goals. In 1954, they even tried to blow up President Gamal even tried to blow up President Gamal Abdel Nasser. No, the last thing our Abdel Nasser. No, the last thing our country needs is a group like the Muslim country needs is a group like the Muslim Brotherhood. Religious or denominational Brotherhood. Religious or denominational hatred rips apart entire societies... hatred rips apart entire societies... Religious parties are a threat to domestic Religious parties are a threat to domestic peace and stability.”peace and stability.”

On February 28, 2008, MB leaders declared On February 28, 2008, MB leaders declared that they will not provide their candidate that they will not provide their candidate for the presidential elections in 2011 even if for the presidential elections in 2011 even if they are qualifiedthey are qualified

In 2010, they restated their refusal for the In 2010, they restated their refusal for the presidential candidate to be a woman or a presidential candidate to be a woman or a CoptCopt

Khalil Enany in his book “Khalil Enany in his book “Muslim Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, struggling with Brotherhood in Egypt, struggling with aging time” says, “A large gap within the aging time” says, “A large gap within the group in their understanding of the subject group in their understanding of the subject of democracy, where they understand it as of democracy, where they understand it as a practice and not values , i.e. they a practice and not values , i.e. they participate in the elections and prepare participate in the elections and prepare demonstrations, but without believing in demonstrations, but without believing in the democratic values of equality, freedom the democratic values of equality, freedom or justice”or justice”

MB After January 25MB After January 25thth Their fundamentalsTheir fundamentals require them require them not to not to

participate in any revolution, participate in any revolution, so as not so as not to be subjected to the first strike,to be subjected to the first strike, till the till the moment of success of this revolution to moment of success of this revolution to jump and hijack it jump and hijack it

They did not participate in the peaceful They did not participate in the peaceful revolution on Jan. 25revolution on Jan. 25thth, which they , which they stated to the mediastated to the media

They participated on Jan. 28They participated on Jan. 28thth, after the , after the revolution’s success due to the absence revolution’s success due to the absence of any of any resistance by the security resistance by the security authoritiesauthorities

The Islamic groups established 18 political The Islamic groups established 18 political parties, despite the teachings of El-Banna parties, despite the teachings of El-Banna which stated that parties are not allowed by which stated that parties are not allowed by IslamIslam

MB established “Freedom and Justice” party MB established “Freedom and Justice” party on June 6, 2011 and prepared for the 2011 on June 6, 2011 and prepared for the 2011 electionelection

The party won 127 seats through the party The party won 127 seats through the party list and 108 individual seats for a total of 235 list and 108 individual seats for a total of 235 seats out of 508 elected members (including seats out of 508 elected members (including 10 appointed members)10 appointed members)

They claimed that they are not planning for They claimed that they are not planning for governing, but for building a democratic governing, but for building a democratic country which acknowledges Islamic country which acknowledges Islamic principles principles

Islamic PartiesIslamic Parties

MB candidate for Egypt’s 2012 MB candidate for Egypt’s 2012 presidential election was Mohamed presidential election was Mohamed Morsi, who won the presidencyMorsi, who won the presidency

To assure governing for decades by To assure governing for decades by MB, he achieved his 2 main objectives:MB, he achieved his 2 main objectives: All authoritative institutes should be All authoritative institutes should be

controlled by MB memberscontrolled by MB members Cultural Islamization must be widely Cultural Islamization must be widely

spreadspread He promised to implement Sharia law He promised to implement Sharia law

as his, “first and final” objectiveas his, “first and final” objective He renounced all his other promises He renounced all his other promises

prior to his election prior to his election

The charter of the new constitution was The charter of the new constitution was finalized by his Islamist allies over the finalized by his Islamist allies over the objections of opposition parties and the objections of opposition parties and the Coptic ChristiansCoptic Christians

This contentious Islamist constitution This contentious Islamist constitution became law in Dec 26, 2011 referendumbecame law in Dec 26, 2011 referendum

““Even if this Constitution is considered Even if this Constitution is considered approved legally,” the opposition approved legally,” the opposition coalition leaders said, “it lacks moral coalition leaders said, “it lacks moral legitimacy, political legitimacy and legitimacy, political legitimacy and popular legitimacy because it lacks popular legitimacy because it lacks national consensus.” national consensus.”

Islamic satellite Islamic satellite channels actively channels actively supported all supported all president Morsi president Morsi strategies including strategies including implementing implementing ShariaSharia

They incited They incited violence and hatred violence and hatred against their against their opponents, opponents, especially the Coptsespecially the Copts

The rights of the Copts were extremely The rights of the Copts were extremely violated, their doctrines were insulted, and violated, their doctrines were insulted, and their problems were accumulated during their problems were accumulated during Morsi’s reignMorsi’s reign

On April 5, 2013, 4 Copts in El-Khosous were On April 5, 2013, 4 Copts in El-Khosous were killed (1 was burned alive), and 7 were killed (1 was burned alive), and 7 were injured in addition to burning the church, injured in addition to burning the church, houses, stores and cars; only one Muslim houses, stores and cars; only one Muslim died died

St. Mark Cathedral was attacked by arms St. Mark Cathedral was attacked by arms and stones during their funeral on April 7and stones during their funeral on April 7

There has yet to be any punishment for these There has yet to be any punishment for these crimescrimes

The reign of MB ended by the revolution on The reign of MB ended by the revolution on June 30, 2013 after one year of crisisJune 30, 2013 after one year of crisis

On July 3, 2013 Mohamed Morsi was deposed On July 3, 2013 Mohamed Morsi was deposed and detained by the military following a period and detained by the military following a period of widespread protests of about 20 million of of widespread protests of about 20 million of Egyptians demanding the resignation of Morsi Egyptians demanding the resignation of Morsi due to his failure to unite the country or lead due to his failure to unite the country or lead effectivelyeffectively

On July 6, about 30 million anti-Morsi On July 6, about 30 million anti-Morsi supporters were asking both the army and supporters were asking both the army and police forces to fight against terrorism police forces to fight against terrorism

On August 14, the army evicted the sit-in of the On August 14, the army evicted the sit-in of the Islamists in Rabaa Adaweya and El Nahda Islamists in Rabaa Adaweya and El Nahda SquareSquare

In a wave of devastating violence on In a wave of devastating violence on that day, by the Islamists, over 600 that day, by the Islamists, over 600 people were killed and thousands people were killed and thousands injured hoping to restore Morsi’s injured hoping to restore Morsi’s presidencypresidency

Copts were violently targeted for Copts were violently targeted for retribution in different governorates:retribution in different governorates: Destroying and burning 80 churches and Destroying and burning 80 churches and

convents after lootingconvents after looting ““Friday Prayer” was prayed in 3 of these Friday Prayer” was prayed in 3 of these

churcheschurches Burning 6 private Christian schoolsBurning 6 private Christian schools Burning 58 houses and forcing their Burning 58 houses and forcing their

inhabitants to leave their cities/villagesinhabitants to leave their cities/villages 4 Copts were slaughtered, 17 kidnapped 4 Copts were slaughtered, 17 kidnapped

and hundreds injured and hundreds injured Destruction of 102 stores and 75 cars/busesDestruction of 102 stores and 75 cars/buses

MB SloganMB Slogan

The swords, as traditional The swords, as traditional weapons, symbolize historic weapons, symbolize historic Islamic empire and reinforce Islamic empire and reinforce the group’s commitment to the group’s commitment to jihad jihad

The Quran denotes the The Quran denotes the group’s spiritual foundation group’s spiritual foundation

The motto, “Be prepared,” is a The motto, “Be prepared,” is a reference to a Quranic verse reference to a Quranic verse that talks of preparing to fight that talks of preparing to fight the enemies of Allahthe enemies of Allah

Their credo was and is, “Allah is our Their credo was and is, “Allah is our objective; the Quran is our law, the objective; the Quran is our law, the Prophet is our leader; Jihad is our way; Prophet is our leader; Jihad is our way; and dying in the way of Allah is the and dying in the way of Allah is the highest of our aspirations.” highest of our aspirations.”

Believing that “Islam is the solution” Believing that “Islam is the solution” indicates their belief to introduce the indicates their belief to introduce the Islamic Sharia as “the basis for Islamic Sharia as “the basis for controlling the affairs of state and controlling the affairs of state and society” society”

The submission of MB’s members under The submission of MB’s members under these credo accords to their absolute these credo accords to their absolute obedience to the MB’s leadershipobedience to the MB’s leadership

They have to work to unify Islamic They have to work to unify Islamic countries and states into one Caliphate countries and states into one Caliphate