6/5/2024 Role of political

Islam in the
Muslim world
Dept. Of politics and international
relations.Quaid -I- Azam university
Islamabad.

Submitted to dr. Syed Qandil Abbas

Submitted by: Humaira faiz

Table of Contents
Abstract .........................................................................................................................................................2
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................2
Literature review ..........................................................................................................................................3
Methodology ..................................................................................................................................................3
Emergence of political Islam ........................................................................................................................3
Concept of Muslim brotherhood in Egypt :................................................................................................5
How and why the US supported political Islamist group like Muslim brotherhood during the cold
war?................................................................................................................................................................7
Anti-Communist Allies:..............................................................................................................................7
Opposition to Soviet Influence: ..................................................................................................................7
Geopolitical Considerations: ......................................................................................................................7
Regional Stability: ......................................................................................................................................8
Anti-Socialist Agenda:................................................................................................................................8
Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Political Islam and why has Saudi Arabia turned against political
Islam? .............................................................................................................................................................8
Role of political Islam in Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria:.........................................................................9
Morocco:.....................................................................................................................................................9
Muslim Brotherhood Concept in Morocco: ................................................................................................9
Tunisia ......................................................................................................................................................10
Muslim Brotherhood Concept in Tunisia: ................................................................................................10
Algeria ......................................................................................................................................................10
Muslim Brotherhood Concept in Algeria: ................................................................................................11
WHY QATAR AND TURKEY SUPPORT POLITICAL ISLAMIST GROUPS LIKE MUSLIM
BROTHERHOOD? ....................................................................................................................................12
Why Qatar Support Muslim Brotherhood? ...............................................................................................12
Why Turkey Support Muslim Brotherhood? ............................................................................................13
How did Qatar's support for Muslim Brotherhood led to a falling out with Saudi Arabia? ...............14
Future of political Islam in Muslim world ....................................................................................................14
Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................................15
Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................16
Abstract
This paper provides an in-depth analysis of political Islam, exploring its historical roots,
ideological underpinnings, and political implications in Muslim-majority countries: Egypt,
Turkey, Qatar, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia. The paper also examines how the
US was ready to support the political Islamist group like Muslim brotherhood for their own
interest. It also argues about why Saudi Arabia and Qatar relations started to weaken. Through
a comparative case study approach, this research examines the diverse experiences of these
countries with political Islam, highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of this
phenomenon. The paper argues that political Islam has evolved over time, shaped by local
contexts, geopolitical considerations, and ideological debates, and that its political implications
vary significantly across different countries.

Introduction
Political Islam has become a significant force in modern Muslim politics, with various
movements and parties seeking to promote Islamic values and principles in the public sphere.
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of political Islam, its history, ideology,
and political implications, through a comparative study of Muslim-majority countries. The
research draws on existing literature and primary sources to examine the political, social, and
economic contexts of Muslim countries, and to explore the diverse approaches of different
countries towards political Islam. The political Islam can be traced back to the 19th and early
20th centuries, when Muslim societies were undergoing significant changes due to colonialism,
modernization, and globalization. These changes led to a sense of cultural and political identity
crisis among many Muslims, who felt that their traditional values and institutions were under
threat. One response to this crisis was the emergence of Islamic reformist movements, such as
the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and the Jamaat-e-Islami in South Asia. Another factor that
contributed to the rise of political Islam was the failure of secular nationalist movements to
address the social and economic grievances of Muslim populations. This created a political
vacuum that was filled by Islamist groups, who offered an alternative vision of society based
on Islamic principles and values.
Literature review
The literature on political Islam is vast and diverse, with scholars approaching the topic from
different disciplinary perspectives. This paper draws on existing research to provide an
overview of the historical roots, ideological underpinnings, and political implications of
political Islam. The literature review examines the concept of political Islam, its relationship
with democracy, and its political implications in different contexts.While there are a lot of
research paper and articles related to this topic like Islam and Politics by P Manda villa in 2020,
Political Islam by F Volpi in 2011, Understanding Islam in politics by D Pipes in 2023, The
study of Islamic culture in politics of Muslim World by Moaddel in 2002, changing character
of political Islam in Pakistan by Qamar Abbas Cheema and Syed Qandil Abbas in 2021 etc.
However, in all these research paper the basic concept of Islam is explained aloud with politics
and put emphasis on the emergence of politics in Islam. However, many research paper like
Political Islam in Indonesia by R Setiawan in 2020 explains only one Muslim state Politics
While My research paper focus on all Muslim states along with their emergence of political
Islam and for this I focused on many related articles for my research related to Islam basic
concept of politics in Islam and Muslim states politics that focus on Islamic laws.

Methodology
This research employs a comparative case study approach, examining the experiences of Egypt,
Malaysia, Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia with political Islam. The paper relies on secondary
sources, including academic articles, books, and news reports, to analyse the political, social,
and economic contexts of each country. The research also draws on primary sources, including
official documents, party manifestos, and interviews with political leaders and activists.

Emergence of political Islam

Political Islam is a term used to describe the fusion of Islam and politics. It is a concept that
emerged particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, where Islam is the dominant religion.
It involves the use of Islamic principles and values as a basis for political action and
governance. Political Islam encompasses a wide range of ideologies and movements, ranging
from moderate to extremist, that seek to establish an Islamic state or implement Islamic law in
society. Some political Islamist groups participate in democratic processes and advocate for
peaceful change, while others use violence to achieve their goals. The term "Islamism" is
sometimes used interchangeably with political Islam.
From the early 19th to the mid 20th century, the Islamic world gave rise to a series of scholars
Jamaluddin Afghani and Syed Abul A’ala Maududi in British India, Hassan al-Banna and Syed
Qutub in Egypt, and Ali Shariati in Iran—who laid the groundwork for what is now recognized
as 'Political Islam'.

The failure of secular nationalist movements to address the grievances of Muslim populations
also contributed to the rise of political Islam.

Hassan al-Banna was born in a small village in Egypt. When he moved to Cairo to continue
his studies, he was a teenager. In the capital, he was shocked to the see the westernisation in
the Egyptian society and the consequent abandonment of traditional religious values. He saw
that the Muslim society has started to adopt the westernisation culture and norms and he was
not in favour of this he wanted Muslims not to follow the western culture but an Islamic culture.
In his memoirs, he expressed sorrow over these transformations.

“After the last war I witnessed, while in Cairo, how the wave of dissipation of souls and minds,
morals, and practices in the name of intellectual freedom reached new heights. The wave of
atheism and licentiousness was colossal, overwhelming, unstoppable. I witnessed how the
social life of my beloved Egyptian people oscillated between the dear Islam that they had
inherited, defended, lived with, and cherished for 14th centuries and this violent Western
attack, equipped with all the destructive arms of wealth, prestige, ostentation, gratification,
strength and means of propaganda.” (Al-Banna, 1996)

Hasan Al-Banna was not a religious scholar but a schoolteacher. However, he offered a radical
and unique interpretation of Islam, which he consistently tried to align with the Muslim
tradition. He categorically denounced those who did not follow his interpretation as "enemies
of religion" and "henchmen of the colonial powers." Al-Banna didn't like how Europe was
developing because he thought it was too focused on showing off and being extravagant, which
led to wastefulness and bad behaviour. Instead, he thought Islam was the way to achieve
greatness through truth, strength, and being morally upright.

Al-Banna is famous for starting the Muslim Brotherhood in the late 1920s. He was inspired by
the ideas that were popular during his time, just like others before him. (Ayubi, 1991)
Concept of Muslim brotherhood in Egypt :
The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in the 1928, the Brotherhood is one of the most
influential Islamist organizations in the world, mixing religious teaching with political activism
and social welfare programs. The group came to national power winning the presidency in
Egypt amid the Arab Spring in the early 2010s. But a military junta ended its rule in 2013 and
has since imprisoned thousands of its members. The Muslim Brotherhood was opposed to
Nasser because they were bitterly opposed to Communism, Soviet Union, and Nationalism,
mostly because their ideology was based on the concept of "pan Islamism".

The Brotherhood’s mission is to Islamize society through the promotion of

religious law, values, and morals. It has long combined preaching and political activism with
social welfare to advance this objective.

As the most effective organized resistance against the British occupation of Egypt (1882–
1952), the group gained legitimacy among its core constituency, the lower middle class. The
Free Officers, nationalist military leaders who wanted to overthrow a British-backed monarchy
in Egypt, were supported by the Muslim Brotherhood. The Brotherhood and the military junta
that took control after a July 1952 coup d'état that toppled King Farouk became rivals. The
issue at hand was ideology and power. The military's vision of Egypt as the leader of a socialist,
secular, pan-Arab movement was rejected by the Brotherhood.

In 1954, a suspected member of the Brotherhood attempted to assassinate the

leader of the Free Officers, Gamal Abdel Nasser. In response, thousands of suspected Brothers
were imprisoned. Though Nasser barred the group from government, the Brotherhood
nevertheless became popular in society, building allegiance as a populist alternative to the
Egyptian state, which provided neither prosperity nor welfare and suffered repeated military
defeats by Israel. Gamal Abdel Nasser served who as Egypt’s President from 1954 till 1970,
and unlike his predecessors, he was a nationalist who aimed to weaken the US influence in
Egypt and the Arab World. Nasser was also popular among the Egyptian population, and one
of the reasons for this were some of his socialist policies that were aimed at providing welfare
for all Egyptians. (al-Anani, 2013)

The US viewed Nasser as a major threat for two reasons, first, he was a staunch
Nationalist who was openly opposed to US hegemony in the region, and second, his socialist
policies drew him closer to the Soviet Union, and the US could not tolerate Soviet Union
influence in the middle east at any cost. The US was not the only one who disliked Nasser, the
Muslim Brotherhood hated him equally.

The US saw an opportunity and thus decided to use the Muslim Brotherhood against
Nasser, and it was mostly done with the help of Saudi Arabia, which funded the Muslim
Brotherhood for decades. The Muslim Brotherhood was little known in Egypt at the time,
however with the US backing and Saudi Funding, they expanded their influence over Egypt
and across the Muslim World. The Muslim Brotherhood actively engaged in activities which
aimed to overthrow Nasser, and unleash failed assassination attempt, Nasser banned the
Muslim Brotherhood, however, it was too late because the organization was already too
powerful, with its influence spanning across the Arab World. The far-reaching influence of the
Muslim Brotherhood also led to the rise of extremist terrorist groups in Egypt, and it was one
of these groups that eventually assassinated the President of Egypt, Anwar el Sadat in 1981.

The government outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood, forcing it underground

under Sisi, who became president in May 2014, the regime has taken strong steps to repress
the opposition, using accusations of membership in the Brotherhood to repress dissent of all
stripes. Thousands of the group’s leaders and members have been imprisoned, and others went
into exile. The group’s charities have been shuttered and their assets confiscated. Unable to
seek a voice through political or civic participation, some members of the Egyptian Muslim
Brotherhood got split off into radical factions and resorted to violence. (Laub, 2015)
How and why the US supported political Islamist group
like Muslim brotherhood during the cold war?
On July 11, 2018, the U.S. Congress's Subcommittee on National Security convened a series
of hearings to investigate the perceived global threat posed by the Muslim Brotherhood. The
aim was to determine whether this Islamist organization, with its vast network spanning 70
countries, indeed posed a danger to American interests worldwide. The Egyptian Muslim
Brotherhood, considered the pioneer of modern Islamism, was scrutinized for its alleged ties
to extremist groups like al-Qaeda. While some advocated for designating the Brotherhood as a
terrorist organization, the U.S. Government has thus far refrained from doing so, despite having
labelled other Islamist movements like Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist entities. This raises
questions about the criteria for such designations and the implications for global security and
diplomatic relations. (Adraoui, 2019)

During the Cold War, the United States pursued a policy known as the containment of
communism. As part of this strategy, the US sought to support groups and movements that
were opposed to communism, even if they had ideological differences with the US. The support
for political Islamist groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, can be understood within this
context.

Anti-Communist Allies:
The US perceived political Islamist groups as potential allies in the fight against communism,
especially in the Middle East and North Africa. The Muslim Brotherhood, for instance,
presented itself as a staunch opponent of both communism and secular Arab nationalism, which
were seen as threats to Western interests in the region.

Opposition to Soviet Influence:

The US was concerned about Soviet influence spreading in the Muslim-majority countries. It
viewed political Islam as a counterweight to Soviet-backed secular movements and
governments. By supporting Islamist groups, the US aimed to prevent the expansion of Soviet
influence and maintain a balance of power.

Geopolitical Considerations:
The US supported political Islamists to counter nationalist movements that were often aligned
with the Soviet Union. In countries like Egypt, where the Muslim Brotherhood was active, the
US saw them as a potential alternative to Arab nationalist leaders like Gamal Abdel Nasser,
who pursued policies that were not in line with American interests.
Regional Stability:
The US believed that backing Islamist groups would contribute to regional stability by offering
an alternative to violent revolutionary movements. By supporting noncommunist Islamist
organizations, the US hoped to channel popular discontent towards more moderate and non-
violent avenues.

Anti-Socialist Agenda:
The US was wary of socialist and leftist movements that were gaining popularity in various
parts of the world. Political Islamist groups often opposed socialism and advocated for free-
market economies, which aligned with the US's capitalist ideology. It is important to note that
US support for political Islamist groups varied depending on the specific circumstances and
geopolitical dynamics of each region. The level and nature of support varied over time, and
there were instances when the US shifted its stance due to changing priorities or concerns about
the rise of radicalism within some Islamist movements.

Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Political Islam and why

has Saudi Arabia turned against political Islam?
Saudi Arabia has had a complex relationship with political Islam, and its stance has
evolved over time. In the past, Saudi Arabia has supported Islamist movements and groups in
other Muslim countries as a mean to counter communist and nationalist movements and to
promote its own influence in the region. However, as seen in recent years, Saudi Arabia has
adopted a more critical attitude towards political Islam shaped by a range of factors, including
its own political stability and legitimacy, the threat of extremism and terrorism, and its efforts
to modernize and diversify its economy.

One reason for this shift is the rise of Islamist movements that Saudi Arabia views as a
threat to its own political stability and legitimacy. For example, the Muslim Brotherhood, a
transnational Islamist organization, has been active in several Muslim-majority countries and
has advocated for a more prominent role for Islam in the public sphere. Saudi Arabia views the
Muslim Brotherhood as a competitor to its own religious and political authority and has
therefore sought to counter its influence in the region.

Another factor is the increasing concern over the spread of extremist and terrorist
ideologies that are often associated with political Islam. Saudi Arabia has been a target of
terrorist attacks by extremist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, and it has taken steps to combat
the spread of extremist ideologies within its own borders and in the Muslim world. This has
led to a more cautious approach towards political Islam more emphasis on promoting a
moderate and tolerant form of Islam.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has been pursuing to modernize and diversify its economy and
reduce its dependence on oil revenues. As part of this effort, it has been pursuing social and
economic reforms that aim to liberalize some aspects of society and reduce the influence of
conservative religious authorities. This has put it in disagreement with some Islamist
movements that oppose such reforms and advocate for a more traditionalist interpretation of
Islam. (Qandil, 2018)

Role of political Islam in Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria:

Morocco:

The most prominent manifestation of political Islam in Morocco is the Justice and
Development Party (PJD). It was founded in 1998 and has participated in Moroccan politics
since then. While the PJD has Islamic roots and promotes conservative social values, it also
operates within the framework of Morocco's constitutional monarchy.

The PJD has taken a relatively moderate stance compared to more radical Islamist
movements. It advocates for democratic reforms, social justice, and anti-corruption measures
within the existing political system. It has also emphasized economic development and social
welfare policies. The PJD has been part of several coalition governments in Morocco since the
early 2000s. However, its influence within these governments has often been limited by the
monarchy and other political actors.

Muslim Brotherhood Concept in Morocco:

The Muslim Brotherhood has had a presence in Morocco, but its influence has been less
pronounced compared to other countries in the region. It has operated through various social
and charitable organizations, but it has not formed a political party as prominent as the PJD.

Like its approach in other countries, the Muslim Brotherhood in Morocco has engaged in
social and charitable activities, including providing education and social services to
disadvantaged communities.
 Unlike in Egypt or Tunisia, where the Muslim Brotherhood has played a significant role in
politics, its influence in Moroccan politics has been relatively marginal. The monarchy's
control over political institutions and the presence of other Islamist and secular political forces
have limited the Muslim Brotherhood's political ambitions in Morocco.

Tunisia:

The most prominent Islamist political party in Tunisia is Ennahda, which has historical ties to
the Muslim Brotherhood. Ennahda was founded in the 1980s and played a key role in the post-
revolutionary period. It emerged as the largest party in the 2011 elections and led the coalition
government.

Ennahda has often been characterized as a moderate Islamist party, emphasizing democratic
principles, pluralism, and political inclusion. It has endorsed Tunisia's secular state structure
while advocating for the compatibility of Islam and democracy.

Ennahda has participated in electoral politics and has shown a willingness to engage in
coalition governments with secular parties. However, its role and influence have varied over
time, facing challenges from both secular opponents and more hardline Islamist factions.

Muslim Brotherhood Concept in Tunisia

The Muslim Brotherhood has had a presence in Tunisia since the mid-20th century, primarily
through affiliated organizations and social networks. However, its influence has been eclipsed
by Ennahda and other more local Islamist movements.

Like in other countries, the Muslim Brotherhood concept in Tunisia has involved
engagement in social and charitable activities, including education, welfare, and community
development projects. However, its political impact has been limited compared to Ennahda.

Tunisia's Islamist landscape is diverse, encompassing not only Ennahda but also other
smaller Islamist parties and movements with varying degrees of ideological alignment with the
Muslim Brotherhood. These groups have contributed to the pluralistic nature of Tunisia's post-
revolutionary politics.

Algeria:
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) emerged as a major
political force in Algeria. The FIS, an Islamist party, gained popular support through its calls
for political reform and social justice within an Islamic framework.

The rise of the FIS and its electoral success led to a political crisis in Algeria, culminating in
the cancellation of the 1992 elections by the military, which feared an Islamist victory. This
event triggered a brutal civil war between Islamist insurgents and the government, resulting in
widespread violence and instability.

The Algerian government's response to the Islamist insurgency was marked by repression
and human rights abuses, leading to the marginalization and fragmentation of the Islamist
movement. Many Islamist leaders were arrested, killed, or forced into exile, and the FIS was
banned.

Muslim Brotherhood Concept in Algeria:

The Muslim Brotherhood has had a presence in Algeria since the mid-20th century, primarily
through affiliated organizations and social networks. However, its influence has been limited
compared to more indigenous Islamist movements like the FIS. Like its activities in other
countries, the Muslim Brotherhood concept in Algeria has involved engagement in social and
charitable activities, including education, welfare, and community development projects.
These activities have often operated independently of the state. The Algerian Islamist
movement, including groups with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, has faced challenges and
fragmentation due to repression, internal divisions, and competition from other political and
social forces. This fragmentation has hindered the emergence of a unified Islamist movement
with significant political influence. (Bakir, 2021)
WHY QATAR AND TURKEY SUPPORT POLITICAL
ISLAMIST GROUPS LIKE MUSLIM
BROTHERHOOD?

Why Qatar Support Muslim Brotherhood?

Qatar supports Muslim brotherhood and other political Islamic organizations because Qatar
has always aimed to become a big power in the Muslim world by using its soft power. Qatar
wants to counter the influence of Saudi Arabia because the relations between the two states
have historically been turbulent due to several disagreements over the rightful ownership of
several territories. Both states consider themselves as a leader of the Arab world and the
Muslim Ummah. Saudi Arabia has enjoyed this status for a very long time and now, Qatar
wants to have their influence over the Muslim world and to gain this influence they have used
Muslim brotherhood. They have a view that, if there is a government of Muslim brotherhood
in important Muslim states like Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain then automatically the influence of
Saudi Arabia will be less in the Muslim world. For example, in 2012 Qatar supported the
Muslim brotherhood government in Egypt when Muhammad Morsi was elected as the
Egyptian president to increase its influence over Egypt. Qatar also supported elements of
Muslim Brotherhood in Bahrain and Jordan to exert its influence in the Arab world. The main
reason behind Qatar supporting the idea of Muslim brotherhood is to have its influence and to
achieve this goal they have also supported Hamas in Palestine. Hamas is also a sort of political
Islamist organization, which have similar ideology as of Muslim brotherhood. Qatar have
always backed Hamas and the struggles of Palestinians to decrease the Saudi influence and
exert their own influence over Palestine and the Arab world. (Paul, 2018)
Why Turkey Support Muslim Brotherhood?

The Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has governed Turkey since 2002 and

has been successful in balancing secularism and Islamism in various ways. The party has its

roots in political Islam, but it has also adopted a more moderate stance in recent years to appeal
to a wider electorate.

Turkey and Qatar have quite similar reasons to support the ideology of Muslim brotherhood.
As we all know that Turkey once ruled the world in the form of Ottoman Empire which
controlled much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia and Northern Africa between the 14th and
early 20th centuries. Turkey can never forget this golden era of their history and they want to
regain their lost glory. To achieve their goal, the current Turkish president Recep Tayyip
Erdogan and his Justice and Development (AK) party are following a “neo-ottomanism”
ideology. According to this ideology, they want to again exert their influence on all those areas
on which Ottoman Empire once ruled. Turkey also wants to have their influence over all the
major Muslim countries to counter Saudi Arabia’s influence in the Muslim world. Also, Turkey
is a secular state, but the ideology of the president and the ruling party is not secular at all, and
they support the elements of political Islam and Muslim brotherhood. For example, if we talk
about Syria then Turkey is very much involved in Syria, and they have always supported the
anti-Assad (opposition) forces in Syria as they are in favour of Muslim brotherhood. They are
against the current government of Syria which is ruled by Bashar al-Assad, and the main reason
behind this rift is Turkey supports Muslim brotherhood and Bashar al-Assad don’t.
How did Qatar's support for Muslim Brotherhood led to a
falling out with Saudi Arabia?
Qatar's support for the Muslim Brotherhood was a major factor in it falling out with Saudi
Arabia and other Gulf states. The Muslim Brotherhood is a Sunni Islamic political organization
that aims to promote the implementation of Islamic law and values in society. Qatar has been
a strong supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood for many years, providing financial and political
support to the group and its affiliates in various countries throughout the Middle East. Saudi
Arabia and other Gulf states, however, view the Muslim Brotherhood as a threat to their own
interests and regional stability. They accuse the group of promoting an Islamist agenda that is
incompatible with their own conservative interpretations of Sunni Islam, and of seeking to
overthrow their authoritarian regimes through political means. (Roberts, 2017)

The tensions between Qatar and Saudi Arabia over the Muslim Brotherhood came to a
head in 2014, when Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain withdrew their ambassadors from
Qatar in protest at what they saw as Qatar's support for the Brotherhood.

Future of political Islam in Muslim world

Political Islam has become part of mainstream politics in the Arab world. The Arab Spring
opened the door to a variety of Islamist parties to compete in elections. Ennahda proved that
political Islam could be compatible with democracy. The Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt had
early success in elections. The Justice and Development Party (PJD) became dominant in
Morocco. They all capitalized on their existing networks and name recognition, whereas most
secular parties were brand new. Those Islamist parties are no longer dominant in 2022, but the
model is still relevant.

Islamist political parties have continued to participate in elections and governments in

Algeria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Morocco. Islamist political parties have a future in the region,
although the fortunes of individual parties may fluctuate. In Tunisia, Ennahda has been
sidelined since Saied suspended parliament in 2021, but it could get a chance to run in the 2022
elections. In Morocco, the PJD suffered a major defeat in the 2021 election, but it could make
a comeback.

Most Islamist parties are allowed to operate openly in 2022 across the region. The
monarchies in Jordan and Morocco and the ruling regime in Algeria have allowed Islamists to
participate in politics, in part to try to appear as if they are democracies. But those parliaments
are toothless. And the ruling powers can more easily co-opt and monitor Islamists when they
are not operating underground.

Conclusion
In conclusion, political Islam has been a significant force in the Middle East and North Africa,
shaping the political landscape and influencing the trajectory of various countries. The
emergence of political Islam can be traced back to the early 20th century, with figures like
Jamaluddin Afghani and Hassan al-Banna laying the groundwork for modern Islamist
movements. The Muslim Brotherhood, founded by al-Banna, has been a key player in this
context, with its influence extending across the region.

The US and Saudi Arabia have had complex relationships with political Islam, with both
countries supporting Islamist groups at various times to counter communist and nationalist
movements. However, this support has also contributed to the rise of extremist groups and has
had unintended consequences.

In recent years, countries like Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria have seen the rise of Islamist
political parties, with varying degrees of success. Ennahda in Tunisia and the PJD in Morocco
have been notable examples of Islamist parties participating in democratic processes.

Qatar and Turkey have also supported political Islamist groups like the Muslim
Brotherhood, with Qatar seeking to increase its influence in the region and Turkey pursuing a
neo-Ottomanist ideology.

Despite challenges and setbacks, political Islam is likely to remain a significant force in the
region, with Islamist parties continuing to participate in elections and governments. The future
of political Islam will depend on its ability to adapt to changing circumstances and address the
needs and aspirations of the people. Ultimately, a nuanced understanding of political Islam is
essential for promoting stability, democracy, and development in the Muslim world.
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