The Muslim Brotherhood in Kuwait. A Historical Analysis of the Islamic Movement

Term Paper , 2014 , 12 Pages , Grade: 1.00

Orientalism / Sinology - Islamic Studies

The Muslim Brotherhood has been a source of fear to many Arab regimes, especially Gulf monarchies. Growing from a small society in a small town in rural Egypt to a transnational organization threatening regimes across the region is a phenomenon that deserves study. This paper examines the evolution of the MB since its escape from the ‘republic of fear’ in Egypt to threatening the political apparatus of Kuwait. The paper also highlights the re-adaption of the Kuwaiti MB's ideology throughout its history to fit the Kuwaiti setting.

Firstly, the paper provides a historical narrative of the MB in Egypt until their disbandment by Abdel Nasser which is critical to understand the roots behind the spread of their ideology in the Gulf. Secondly, it lays out the setting in Kuwait at the time the MB's ideology hit the Kuwaiti soil. Thirdly, the paper discusses the establishment of the first MB branch in Kuwait by Abdul Aziz Ali Al Mato'; and the second stage of the MB's experience in Kuwait that started with changing its name to the "Islamic Guidance of Society." Fourthly, the paper highlights the termination of the Guidance organization and establishment of the “Social Reform Association” which marked the participation of the MB in shaping the Kuwaiti politics. Lastly, the paper examines the establishment of the Islamic Constitutional Movement (referred to as ICM henceforth) marking a new era in the MB's function in the Kuwaiti political arena.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• The Establishment of the MB by Hassan Al Banna
• The Kuwaiti Setting in the 1940s
• Hitting the Kuwaiti Soil
• The Social Reform Association
• The Islamic Constitutional Movement
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper analyzes the evolution of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) in Kuwait, examining how it adapted to the Kuwaiti context and developed its ideology. It explores the MB's origins in Egypt and its migration to Kuwait, tracing the establishment of various MB branches and their role in shaping Kuwaiti politics.

• The historical development of the MB in Egypt and its spread to the Gulf
• The political and social landscape of Kuwait in the 1940s
• The establishment and evolution of MB branches in Kuwait
• The MB's role in Kuwaiti politics and its adaptation to the local context
• The emergence of the Islamic Constitutional Movement (ICM) and its impact on the MB's presence in Kuwait

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• The Establishment of the MB by Hassan Al Banna: This section details the founding of the Muslim Brotherhood by Hassan Al-Banna in 1928, its initial focus on membership-building activities, and its gradual evolution into a politically active organization in Egypt during the 1930s. It also discusses the development of a paramilitary arm of the MB and their involvement in the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, leading to their repression by Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1954.
• The Kuwaiti Setting in the 1940s: This section examines the political and social landscape of Kuwait in the 1940s. It highlights Kuwait's status as a "sultanistic regime" and its traditional authority structure. It also discusses the influence of religious movements and reformers in Kuwait, including the emergence of a reformist wing that sought to modernize Kuwaiti society.
• Hitting the Kuwaiti Soil: This section focuses on the arrival of Egyptian MB members in Kuwait following Abdel Nasser's regime and the establishment of the first MB organization in Kuwait in 1947 by Abdul Aziz Ali Al Mato'. It discusses the early stages of the MB's presence in Kuwait and its initial activities.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The primary terms and concepts explored in this paper include the Muslim Brotherhood, Kuwait, Islamic movements, political Islam, social reform, adaptation, ideology, political participation, Islamic Constitutional Movement, and the Kuwaiti political landscape.

• Course: Islam & Politics in the Gulf
• Grade: 1.00
• Author: Islam Hassan (Author)
• Publication Year: 2014
• Pages: 12
• Catalog Number: V301286
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668003101
• ISBN (Book): 9783668003118
• Language: English
• Tags: Islam, Politics, Gulf, Kuwait, Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt, Islamic Movements, Islam and Politics, Islamic Guidance Society