Muslim Brotherhood (Ikhwan al-Muslimun)

Deviant

الإخوان المسلمون

Overview

A pan-Islamist political and social movement founded in Egypt in 1928 CE by Hasan al-Banna (1906–1949 CE). One of the most influential Islamist political organizations in the 20th century. Operates across dozens of countries. Emphasizes political participation to establish Islamic governance, social welfare work, and education. Its methodology and theological foundations have been extensively debated by Ahl us-Sunnah scholars.

Key Beliefs

'Islam is the solution' — Islamic governance as the primary goal
Political organization and participation as a religious duty
Gradual, democratic approach to establishing Islamic law
Social welfare, education, and charity as tools of influence

Scholarly Evaluation

Ahl us-Sunnah scholars have raised several concerns: (1) Prioritization of political action over aqeedah rectification — al-Banna famously said 'We will not dispute in matters of fiqh' which led to coalition with groups of dubious aqeedah. (2) Hasan al-Banna's methodological principle of broad coalition means the organization has included Ash'ari, Sufi, and theologically deviant individuals without aqeedah correction. (3) The organization's alliance with the Muslim Brotherhood in some countries with groups that perform shirk (Sufi orders, etc.) is criticized. Scholars including al-Albani, Ibn Baz, and Ibn Uthaymin expressed concerns about the methodology while not necessarily declaring individual members deviant.

Key Figures

Hasan al-Banna (1906–1949 CE)
Sayyid Qutb (1906–1966 CE) — later radical phase
Yusuf al-Qaradawi (1926–2022 CE)

Sources

Majmuah Rasa'il Hasan al-Banna
Al-Albani's recorded critiques of the Ikhwan methodology

Founder

Hasan al-Banna

Founded

1928 CE