Muslim Brotherhood By Fr. Rewis Awadalla August 2013

The Founder Founded by Hasan El- Banna in 1928 who was a teacher at Ismaileya Founded by Hasan El- Banna in 1928 who was a teacher at Ismaileya He founded it to be a religious organization for observing the Islamic principles He founded it to be a religious organization for observing the Islamic principles He adapted extreme religious principles at the time of the revival of Wahabi ideology He adapted extreme religious principles at the time of the revival of Wahabi ideology

His call aimed the revival of Islam to restore the mighty Islamic nation after the fall of the Ottoman Empire after the WWI His call aimed the revival of Islam to restore the mighty Islamic nation after the fall of the Ottoman Empire after the WWI Many supported him in order to face the British occupation by the Islamic jihad Many supported him in order to face the British occupation by the Islamic jihad His ideology was not widely spread due to the lack of financial support (contrary to nowadays) His ideology was not widely spread due to the lack of financial support (contrary to nowadays) In 1932, this organization moved to Cairo, but their political activities didn’t start till 1938 In 1932, this organization moved to Cairo, but their political activities didn’t start till 1938 In 1942, during the WWII, their ideology spread in eastern Jordan, Palestine and Syria In 1942, during the WWII, their ideology spread in eastern Jordan, Palestine and Syria

They claimed that there is an Islamic solution to all the social and financial problems of the society They claimed that there is an Islamic solution to all the social and financial problems of the society They agreed with “Misr El-Fatah” party on refusing both the constitution and the political system believing that the Quran is the nation’s constitution They agreed with “Misr El-Fatah” party on refusing both the constitution and the political system believing that the Quran is the nation’s constitution They believed in the Islamic nationality instead of the Egyptian nationality They believed in the Islamic nationality instead of the Egyptian nationality Their political objectives are defined as: Their political objectives are defined as: Liberation of the Islamic nation from all forms of occupation Liberation of the Islamic nation from all forms of occupation Building Free Islamic nation ruled by Islamic Law (Sharia) and its principles Building Free Islamic nation ruled by Islamic Law (Sharia) and its principles

The General Murshid He is the top leader of the organization He is the top leader of the organization We identify 8 murshids (since 1928 till now) We identify 8 murshids (since 1928 till now) Hasan El-Banna, the 1 st Murshid, sent a letter to all Muslim governors containing 50 principles in order to govern their nation from an Islamic point of view Hasan El-Banna, the 1 st Murshid, sent a letter to all Muslim governors containing 50 principles in order to govern their nation from an Islamic point of view He rejected the foundation of any political party He rejected the foundation of any political party The MB troops participated, for the 1 st time, in the 1948 War to liberate Palestine The MB troops participated, for the 1 st time, in the 1948 War to liberate Palestine

Political Practice Since the foundation of MB, Hasan El-Banna put the rules for practicing politics Since the foundation of MB, Hasan El-Banna put the rules for practicing politics MB is not only a religious organization expressed radical Islam, but also a political institute MB is not only a religious organization expressed radical Islam, but also a political institute Based on their understanding that Islam should control all aspects of life, they intend to lead the nation and solve its problems by implementing Islamic Law and teachings Based on their understanding that Islam should control all aspects of life, they intend to lead the nation and solve its problems by implementing Islamic Law and teachings

King Farouk became worried because of their popularity and strong weaponry King Farouk became worried because of their popularity and strong weaponry Some MB members were condemned for many bombings Some MB members were condemned for many bombings Their history includes political assassinations: Their history includes political assassinations: Prime Minister Ahmed Maher (February 1945) Prime Minister Ahmed Maher (February 1945) Judge Ahmed El-Khazendar (March 1948) Judge Ahmed El-Khazendar (March 1948) Prime Minister Mahmoud Fahmy El-Noqurashy (or An-nukrashi) (December 1948) Prime Minister Mahmoud Fahmy El-Noqurashy (or An-nukrashi) (December 1948) Cairo Ruler Cairo Ruler

They bombed many police centers in 1946 They bombed many police centers in 1946 King Farouk approved the policy of PM El- Noqurashy to dissolve the MB and to assassinate Hasan El-Banna for his work against national security King Farouk approved the policy of PM El- Noqurashy to dissolve the MB and to assassinate Hasan El-Banna for his work against national security Later, Abdel Meguid Hassan, a member of MB, was caught for killing El-Noqurashy Later, Abdel Meguid Hassan, a member of MB, was caught for killing El-Noqurashy MB had condemned the assassination as a terrorist act incompatible with Islam, especially after El Banna’s declaration that the killers are not Muslim and are not Brothers MB had condemned the assassination as a terrorist act incompatible with Islam, especially after El Banna’s declaration that the killers are not Muslim and are not Brothers

His assassination in turn led to the assassination of Hasan El-Banna on 12 February 1949 His assassination in turn led to the assassination of Hasan El-Banna on 12 February 1949 They called to kill every denomination that disagrees with Islam (1948) They called to kill every denomination that disagrees with Islam (1948) They horrified the Jews, burned all their belongings and destroyed their district completely (1948) They horrified the Jews, burned all their belongings and destroyed their district completely (1948) They also burned the Copts in Suez (1952) They also burned the Copts in Suez (1952) Many accused them for burning Cairo before the revolution (1952) Many accused them for burning Cairo before the revolution (1952)

Sayid Qotb Was an Egyptian Islamic author and educator Was an Egyptian Islamic author and educator The MB welcomed his return from the USA to become an active member (1952) The MB welcomed his return from the USA to become an active member (1952) Became a lead member of the Egyptian MB (1948) and editor-in- chief of the Brothers’ weekly Al- Ikhwan al-Muslimin in the 1950s and 60s Became a lead member of the Egyptian MB (1948) and editor-in- chief of the Brothers’ weekly Al- Ikhwan al-Muslimin in the 1950s and 60s

Headed MB calling sector and became both an appointed member of the working committee and a member of its guidance council Headed MB calling sector and became both an appointed member of the working committee and a member of its guidance council Had an Islamic project stating that “A certain Islamic group should lead humanity to salvation” Had an Islamic project stating that “A certain Islamic group should lead humanity to salvation” Was influenced by the writings of earlier Muslim fanatics like Ibn Hazm, Ibn Taimeyah, Hasan El-Banna, Al-Mowdodi… Was influenced by the writings of earlier Muslim fanatics like Ibn Hazm, Ibn Taimeyah, Hasan El-Banna, Al-Mowdodi… Was one of the early founders of the “Salafia Jihadeya” in the 60s Was one of the early founders of the “Salafia Jihadeya” in the 60s

Wrote 2 books: Wrote 2 books: “In the shade of the Qur’an” (Fi Zilal Al-Quran) “In the shade of the Qur’an” (Fi Zilal Al-Quran) “Milestones” (Ma’alem Fi Al-Tariqu) “Milestones” (Ma’alem Fi Al-Tariqu) All the Muslim groups nowadays are adopting his teachings and are identified as Qotbists All the Muslim groups nowadays are adopting his teachings and are identified as Qotbists Was the only civilian permitted to attend the meetings of the Free Officers’ Committee Was the only civilian permitted to attend the meetings of the Free Officers’ Committee Met with Nasser many times, sometimes for 12 hours a day to share ideas Met with Nasser many times, sometimes for 12 hours a day to share ideas Soon, he disagreed with their ideology and promptly quit Soon, he disagreed with their ideology and promptly quit

Qotb and other MB members orchestrated a plot to assassinate Nasser in Alexandria on October 26, 1954 by Abdel Qader Auda Qotb and other MB members orchestrated a plot to assassinate Nasser in Alexandria on October 26, 1954 by Abdel Qader Auda The attempt was foiled and Qotb was jailed soon afterwards for 15 years and he was freed later due to his bad health in May, 1964 The attempt was foiled and Qotb was jailed soon afterwards for 15 years and he was freed later due to his bad health in May, 1964 A crackdown occurred on 1,000 MB members A crackdown occurred on 1,000 MB members Later he was allowed more mobility and to write Later he was allowed more mobility and to write Was rearrested with others in August, 1965 and was subjected to a trial to be executed with 7 others in 1966 Was rearrested with others in August, 1965 and was subjected to a trial to be executed with 7 others in 1966

MB Under Nasser’s Reign MB was banned since 1954 MB was banned since 1954 MB claimed that the plot to assassinate Nasser was just a preplanned play to crackdown against Nasser’s opponents MB claimed that the plot to assassinate Nasser was just a preplanned play to crackdown against Nasser’s opponents More than 350 MB members died from torture More than 350 MB members died from torture

General Murshid, Hasan Al-Hudaybi, was condemned to death by the court, but his verdict was commuted, three days later, to life in prison General Murshid, Hasan Al-Hudaybi, was condemned to death by the court, but his verdict was commuted, three days later, to life in prison Many of them fled to Saudi Arabia and helped in establishing the kingdom Many of them fled to Saudi Arabia and helped in establishing the kingdom They convinced the Wahabis to carry their message worldwide They convinced the Wahabis to carry their message worldwide They rephrased the Wahabi principles in an easy language after receiving financial support from these Wahabis They rephrased the Wahabi principles in an easy language after receiving financial support from these Wahabis This led to Islamic revival worldwide during the last 40 years This led to Islamic revival worldwide during the last 40 years

MB Under Sadat’s Reign Sadat gradually released imprisoned Brothers and enlisted their help against leftist groups in 1970 Sadat gradually released imprisoned Brothers and enlisted their help against leftist groups in 1970 The organization was tolerated to an extent, but remained technically illegal and subject to periodic crackdowns The organization was tolerated to an extent, but remained technically illegal and subject to periodic crackdowns They looted the Egyptian wealth through their financial institutes and collection of donations for building mosques They looted the Egyptian wealth through their financial institutes and collection of donations for building mosques

Their ideology was spread via schools, media, mosques, parties and syndicates Their ideology was spread via schools, media, mosques, parties and syndicates Political powers opposed Sadat’s Policy after signing the peace treaty with Israel in 1979 Political powers opposed Sadat’s Policy after signing the peace treaty with Israel in 1979 Sadat ordered a major crackdown that resulted in the arrest of numerous opposition figures on September 1981 including MB Sadat ordered a major crackdown that resulted in the arrest of numerous opposition figures on September 1981 including MB Since then, Sadat himself became the enemy of all Islamic groups, and was assassinated by Islamic Jihad on October 6, 1981 Since then, Sadat himself became the enemy of all Islamic groups, and was assassinated by Islamic Jihad on October 6, 1981

MB Under Mubarak’s Reign Adopted reconciliation with all political powers, including MB Adopted reconciliation with all political powers, including MB Had limited involvement in the political arena to be the source of fear abroad, as well as internally i.e. to the liberals and leftists Had limited involvement in the political arena to be the source of fear abroad, as well as internally i.e. to the liberals and leftists In the 90s, the opposition grew against his regime due to acknowledging Israel and the strong relations between them In the 90s, the opposition grew against his regime due to acknowledging Israel and the strong relations between them

In the 2005 parliamentary elections, the MB’s candidates, who had to run as independents due to their illegality as a political party, won 88 seats In the 2005 parliamentary elections, the MB’s candidates, who had to run as independents due to their illegality as a political party, won 88 seats They represented 20% of the total opposition while the legal opposition won only 14 seats They represented 20% of the total opposition while the legal opposition won only 14 seats In spite of this fact, they complained about electoral irregularities In spite of this fact, they complained about electoral irregularities They also gained the seats at many syndicates’ elections They also gained the seats at many syndicates’ elections Their slogan was always “Islam is the solution” Their slogan was always “Islam is the solution”

Their terrorism against Copts and tourists increased during the 90s; a crackdown occurred on their members from time to time based on the Emergency Law Their terrorism against Copts and tourists increased during the 90s; a crackdown occurred on their members from time to time based on the Emergency Law In Der Spiegel (December 20, 2004), Mubarak said: “The Muslim Brotherhood has a terrorist past. They have killed a prime minister and others who don’t agree with their political goals. In 1954, they even tried to blow up President Gamal Abdel Nasser. No, the last thing our country needs is a group like the Muslim Brotherhood. Religious or denominational hatred rips apart entire societies... Religious parties are a threat to domestic peace and stability.” In Der Spiegel (December 20, 2004), Mubarak said: “The Muslim Brotherhood has a terrorist past. They have killed a prime minister and others who don’t agree with their political goals. In 1954, they even tried to blow up President Gamal Abdel Nasser. No, the last thing our country needs is a group like the Muslim Brotherhood. Religious or denominational hatred rips apart entire societies... Religious parties are a threat to domestic peace and stability.”

On February 28, 2008, MB leaders declared that they will not provide their candidate for the presidential elections in 2011 even if they are qualified On February 28, 2008, MB leaders declared that they will not provide their candidate for the presidential elections in 2011 even if they are qualified In 2010, they restated their refusal for the presidential candidate to be a woman or a Copt In 2010, they restated their refusal for the presidential candidate to be a woman or a Copt Khalil Enany in his book “Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, struggling with aging time” says, “A large gap within the group in their understanding of the subject of democracy, where they understand it as a practice and not values ​​, i.e. they participate in the elections and prepare demonstrations, but without believing in the democratic values ​​ of equality, freedom or justice” Khalil Enany in his book “Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, struggling with aging time” says, “A large gap within the group in their understanding of the subject of democracy, where they understand it as a practice and not values ​​, i.e. they participate in the elections and prepare demonstrations, but without believing in the democratic values ​​ of equality, freedom or justice”

MB After January 25 th Their fundamentals require them not to participate in any revolution, so as not to be subjected to the first strike, till the moment of success of this revolution to jump and hijack it Their fundamentals require them not to participate in any revolution, so as not to be subjected to the first strike, till the moment of success of this revolution to jump and hijack it They did not participate in the peaceful revolution on Jan. 25 th, which they stated to the media They did not participate in the peaceful revolution on Jan. 25 th, which they stated to the media They participated on Jan. 28 th, after the revolution’s success due to the absence of any resistance by the security authorities They participated on Jan. 28 th, after the revolution’s success due to the absence of any resistance by the security authorities

The Islamic groups established 18 political parties, despite the teachings of El-Banna which stated that parties are not allowed by Islam The Islamic groups established 18 political parties, despite the teachings of El-Banna which stated that parties are not allowed by Islam MB established “Freedom and Justice” party on June 6, 2011 and prepared for the 2011 election MB established “Freedom and Justice” party on June 6, 2011 and prepared for the 2011 election The party won 127 seats through the party list and 108 individual seats for a total of 235 seats out of 508 elected members (including 10 appointed members) The party won 127 seats through the party list and 108 individual seats for a total of 235 seats out of 508 elected members (including 10 appointed members) They claimed that they are not planning for governing, but for building a democratic country which acknowledges Islamic principles They claimed that they are not planning for governing, but for building a democratic country which acknowledges Islamic principles

Islamic Parties

MB candidate for Egypt’s 2012 presidential election was Mohamed Morsi, who won the presidency MB candidate for Egypt’s 2012 presidential election was Mohamed Morsi, who won the presidency To assure governing for decades by MB, he achieved his 2 main objectives: To assure governing for decades by MB, he achieved his 2 main objectives: All authoritative institutes should be controlled by MB members All authoritative institutes should be controlled by MB members Cultural Islamization must be widely spread Cultural Islamization must be widely spread He promised to implement Sharia law as his, “first and final” objective He promised to implement Sharia law as his, “first and final” objective He renounced all his other promises prior to his election He renounced all his other promises prior to his election

The charter of the new constitution was finalized by his Islamist allies over the objections of opposition parties and the Coptic Christians The charter of the new constitution was finalized by his Islamist allies over the objections of opposition parties and the Coptic Christians This contentious Islamist constitution became law in Dec 26, 2011 referendum This contentious Islamist constitution became law in Dec 26, 2011 referendum “Even if this Constitution is considered approved legally,” the opposition coalition leaders said, “it lacks moral legitimacy, political legitimacy and popular legitimacy because it lacks national consensus.” “Even if this Constitution is considered approved legally,” the opposition coalition leaders said, “it lacks moral legitimacy, political legitimacy and popular legitimacy because it lacks national consensus.”

Islamic satellite channels actively supported all president Morsi strategies including implementing Sharia Islamic satellite channels actively supported all president Morsi strategies including implementing Sharia They incited violence and hatred against their opponents, especially the Copts They incited violence and hatred against their opponents, especially the Copts

The rights of the Copts were extremely violated, their doctrines were insulted, and their problems were accumulated during Morsi’s reign The rights of the Copts were extremely violated, their doctrines were insulted, and their problems were accumulated during Morsi’s reign On April 5, 2013, 4 Copts in El-Khosous were killed (1 was burned alive), and 7 were injured in addition to burning the church, houses, stores and cars; only one Muslim died On April 5, 2013, 4 Copts in El-Khosous were killed (1 was burned alive), and 7 were injured in addition to burning the church, houses, stores and cars; only one Muslim died St. Mark Cathedral was attacked by arms and stones during their funeral on April 7 St. Mark Cathedral was attacked by arms and stones during their funeral on April 7 There has yet to be any punishment for these crimes There has yet to be any punishment for these crimes

The reign of MB ended by the revolution on June 30, 2013 after one year of crisis The reign of MB ended by the revolution on June 30, 2013 after one year of crisis On July 3, 2013 Mohamed Morsi was deposed and detained by the military following a period of widespread protests of about 20 million of Egyptians demanding the resignation of Morsi due to his failure to unite the country or lead effectively On July 3, 2013 Mohamed Morsi was deposed and detained by the military following a period of widespread protests of about 20 million of Egyptians demanding the resignation of Morsi due to his failure to unite the country or lead effectively On July 6, about 30 million anti-Morsi supporters were asking both the army and police forces to fight against terrorism On July 6, about 30 million anti-Morsi supporters were asking both the army and police forces to fight against terrorism On August 14, the army evicted the sit-in of the Islamists in Rabaa Adaweya and El Nahda Square On August 14, the army evicted the sit-in of the Islamists in Rabaa Adaweya and El Nahda Square

In a wave of devastating violence on that day, by the Islamists, over 600 people were killed and thousands injured hoping to restore Morsi’s presidency In a wave of devastating violence on that day, by the Islamists, over 600 people were killed and thousands injured hoping to restore Morsi’s presidency Copts were violently targeted for retribution in different governorates: Copts were violently targeted for retribution in different governorates: Destroying and burning 80 churches and convents after looting Destroying and burning 80 churches and convents after looting “Friday Prayer” was prayed in 3 of these churches “Friday Prayer” was prayed in 3 of these churches Burning 6 private Christian schools Burning 6 private Christian schools Burning 58 houses and forcing their inhabitants to leave their cities/villages Burning 58 houses and forcing their inhabitants to leave their cities/villages 4 Copts were slaughtered, 17 kidnapped and hundreds injured 4 Copts were slaughtered, 17 kidnapped and hundreds injured Destruction of 102 stores and 75 cars/buses Destruction of 102 stores and 75 cars/buses

MB Slogan The swords, as traditional weapons, symbolize historic Islamic empire and reinforce the group’s commitment to jihad The swords, as traditional weapons, symbolize historic Islamic empire and reinforce the group’s commitment to jihad The Quran denotes the group’s spiritual foundation The Quran denotes the group’s spiritual foundation The motto, “Be prepared,” is a reference to a Quranic verse that talks of preparing to fight the enemies of Allah The motto, “Be prepared,” is a reference to a Quranic verse that talks of preparing to fight the enemies of Allah

Their credo was and is, “Allah is our objective; the Quran is our law, the Prophet is our leader; Jihad is our way; and dying in the way of Allah is the highest of our aspirations.” Their credo was and is, “Allah is our objective; the Quran is our law, the Prophet is our leader; Jihad is our way; and dying in the way of Allah is the highest of our aspirations.” Believing that “Islam is the solution” indicates their belief to introduce the Islamic Sharia as “the basis for controlling the affairs of state and society” Believing that “Islam is the solution” indicates their belief to introduce the Islamic Sharia as “the basis for controlling the affairs of state and society” The submission of MB’s members under these credo accords to their absolute obedience to the MB’s leadership The submission of MB’s members under these credo accords to their absolute obedience to the MB’s leadership They have to work to unify Islamic countries and states into one Caliphate They have to work to unify Islamic countries and states into one Caliphate