Kishk, Shaykh Abd al-Hamid Abd al-Aziz Muhammad
Biography
Kishk, Shaykh Abd al-Hamid Abd al-Aziz Muhammad (b. 1933) was a popular Egyptian preacher renowned for his opposition to the contemporary political regimes of his time. His life’s work and political views significantly impacted both religious discourse and popular public sentiment in Egypt during the second half of the 20th century.
Early Life and Preaching
Shaykh Kishk began his public religious life during a tumultuous period in Egyptian history. Deeply committed to traditional Islamic teachings, he refused to endorse the execution of Sayyid Qutb, a prominent Islamic theorist, under the Nasser regime. Likewise, Kishk demonstrated resistance to attempts to reconcile socialism with Islam, a fundamental aspect of Abdel Nasser’s political ideology.
Political Repression and Media Boycott
Under President Anwar Sadat’s regime (1970–1981), Shaykh Kishk faced media censorship and boycotts due to his continued dissent and refusal to toe the government’s line. Despite being excluded from the official media, his sermons gained mass popularity through the widespread distribution of cassette tapes. His political views expressed clear opposition to the modern bureaucratic state and signified a return to personal piety.
Themes and Interests
Kishk’s sermons weren’t solely focused on political dissent. They delved deeply into themes such as eschatology, the miracles of Sufi saints, the metaphysics of the soul, death, and the end of the world. He held deep convictions regarding the moral frameworks within Islam and propagated ideals centered on individual devotion and spiritual purity.
Imprisonment and Later Life
Shaykh Kishk’s outspoken nature led to his imprisonment after the assassination of President Sadat in 1981. He was released in 1982 under the condition imposed by President Hosni Mubarak’s regime that he cease his public preaching. Consequently, the mosque where Kishk had long delivered his sermons was converted into a public health center. Nonetheless, his influence persisted, with his books and numerous cassette recordings continuing to circulate widely among the public.
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: الشيخ عبد الحميد كشك (al-Shaykh ‘Abd al-Hamid Kishk)
- Turkish: Şeyh Abdülhamid Kişk
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Sorrow and Solidarity: The Ethical Lamentation of Political Resistance in Shaykh Kishk’s Sermons”
- “Voice of the Dispossessed: The Life and Sermons of Shaykh Abd al-Hamid Kishk”
- “Islamic Revivalism in Modern Egypt: Shaykh Kishk and the Mediation of Religion Through Media”
Conclusion and Takeaways
Shaykh Abd al-Hamid Abd al-Aziz Muhammad Kishk stands as a vital figure within Egypt’s recent historical narrative, not just for his political dissent but for his profound influence on religious life and thought. His unique mode of propagating Islam through sermons recorded on cassette tapes allowed him to reach a broader audience despite state-imposed restrictions. His emphasis on personal and private piety continues to resonate within many Islamic communities today.
Kishk remains an emblematic figure illustrating the intersection of religion, media, and politics in the modern Islamic world. For scholars and laypeople alike, an exploration of his work presents valuable insights into the religious and social dynamics of Egypt in the latter part of the 20th century.
