Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan
The Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan (Arabic: الإخوان المسلمين في الأردن, Turkish: Ürdün’deki Müslüman Kardeşler) is an Islamic revivalist organization founded in 1946 by members of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood. The Brotherhood aimed to encourage a return to Islamic values and cultivate the education of Jordanian society.
Historical Background
- Establishment: The Islamic movement was established in 1946 following the ideological framework of its Egyptian counterpart.
- Political Context: The creation of Israel in 1948 and subsequent Jordanian annexation of the West Bank in 1950 necessitated political engagement. The Brotherhood initially maintained tight relations with the monarchy and the ruling regime, especially during the 1950s.
Relationship with the Monarchy
- 1960s Relationships: Relations strengthened after the 1967 Six-Day War, marked by the loss of the West Bank to Israel and the rise of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) among Palestinian refugees in Jordan.
- 1980s Criticism: By the 1980s, tensions rose as the Brotherhood criticized the monarchy over issues of corruption, public immorality, and religious insensitivity.
Political Participation and Influence
- Mid-1980s: In 1985, King Hussein distanced himself from the Brotherhood due to fears of instability.
- Elections: Despite the political distancing, the Muslim Brotherhood has actively participated in and won elections since the late 1980s.
- Gulf War Stance: Their support for Iraq during the Gulf War of 1990-91 strained financial backing from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia but cemented their popular support domestically.
Religious and Popular Influence
The organization’s religious message has retained significant popularity among Jordanians, promoting a vision interwoven with Islamic principles and societal reform.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: الإخوان المسلمين في الأردن
- Turkish: Ürdün’deki Müslüman Kardeşler
Further Reading
- “The Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan” by Joas Wagemakers
- “Islamist Politics in Jordan” by Quintan Wiktorowicz
- “Arabs and the Holocene Climatic Optimum” edited by Edward Attarian and Khalid Dismail
Key Takeaways
- Historical Ties: The Brotherhood’s foundation and development are ingrained in broader regional political events.
- Dynamic Relationship: The relational dynamics with the monarchy have oscillated between cooperation and contention.
- Socio-political Influence: Political engagement, particularly from the 1980s onward, highlights their strategy to influence Jordan’s social fabric actively.
Conclusion
The Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan stands as a complex and influential body in Jordanian politics, reflecting shifting dynamics in reaction to both domestic and regional challenges while continuing to propagate an enduring religious message.
