Islam in Egypt
Introduction
Islam has played a central role in Egyptian society and politics since its introduction in the 7th century. Over time, Egypt has become a pivotal center of Islamic scholarship, culture, and political thought. This entry explores the influence of key Islamic movements and personalities in Egypt from the late 19th century to the present day.
Historical Overview
The British Occupation and Early Reform (1882-1952)
- British Occupation: The British occupied Egypt in 1882, a period marked by social, political, and economic upheaval.
- Secular and Islamic Reform Movements: Under British rule, secular and Islamic reform movements gained traction. Notable Muslim reformers like Jamal al-Din al-Afghani, Muhammad Abduh, and Muhammad Rashid Rida began advocating for various ideologies aimed at Islamic renewal and modernization.
- Nationalism: Early 20th-century Egypt saw a surge in nationalist sentiment, prominently represented by leaders like Saad Zaghlul.
Rise of the Muslim Brotherhood (1928-Present)
- Hasan al-Banna: Founded in 1928 by Hasan al-Banna, the Muslim Brotherhood sought to address the socio-political needs in Egypt through an Islamic framework. It became one of the most significant Islamist organizations in the Arab world.
Post-Independence Egypt (1952-Onwards)
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Free Officers Coup and Nasser’s Era: The 1952 coup led by the Free Officers ended British dominance, establishing a republic under Gamal Abdel Nasser. This period experienced governmental suppression of many Islamic groups.
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Sayyid Qutb: Influential Muslim Brotherhood thinker advocating radical approaches; Qutb was executed in 1966 under Nasser’s regime.
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Anwar Sadat: Succeeded Nasser after his death in 1970, but struggled with increasing Islamic militancy, leading to Sadat’s assassination in 1981.
The New Islamic Current (1990s-Present)
- Reformation and Pluralism: Emerging in the 1990s, the New Islamic Current, including figures like Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Kamal Abu al-Majd, and Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali, emphasized democracy and pluralism within an Islamic context.
Demographics
- Muslims comprise 93.7% of Egypt’s population, while Copts and other Christians make up around 6%. The 1971 Egyptian constitution guarantees religious freedom, although interreligious tensions have notably increased since the 1970s.
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: “Egypt” comes from the ancient Greek “Aígyptos,” which was derived from the Egyptian “Hwt-Ka-Ptah” (Temple of the Spirit of Ptah).
- Arabic Translation: مصر (Miṣr)
- Turkish Translation: Mısır
Further Reading
- “Modern Islamic Thought in a Radical Age: Religious Authority and Internal Criticism” by Muhammad Qasim Zaman
- “Islamism: A History of Political Islam from the Fall of the Ottoman Empire to the Rise of ISIS” by Tarek Osman
- “The Society of the Muslim Brothers” by Richard P. Mitchell
- “Sayyid Qutb and the Origins of Radical Islamism” by John Calvert
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Islam’s integration into Egypt’s socio-political fabric illustrates a dynamic interplay between tradition and modernization.
- Key figures and movements like the Muslim Brotherhood and New Islamic Current underscore an ongoing contestation over the direction of Islamic thought in the modern world.
- Understanding the history of Islam in Egypt offers invaluable insights into broader Islamic and geopolitical trends.
See Also
By providing historical context, religious demographics, significant figures, and key movements, this entry offers a comprehensive understanding of Islam’s role in Egypt, touching on vital elements of Islamic reform and political activism shaping the nation’s landscape.
