Overview
The Muslim Brotherhood in Syria is an Islamic revivalist organization that was founded in the 1930s by Syrian students influenced by Hasan al-Banna’s ideas. Initially focusing on spreading Muslim education, ethics, and inciting anti-imperialist feelings among urban residents, the Brotherhood’s earliest goals also included combating ignorance and deprivation and establishing a regime grounded in Islamic law.
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: جماعة الإخوان المسلمين في سوريا
- Turkish: Suriye Müslüman Kardeşler Teşkilatı
The term “Muslim Brotherhood” (Arabic: الإخوان المسلمون) denotes the fraternity and unity among Muslims committed to Islamic values and mutual assistance.
Early Goals and Activities
Initially, the Brotherhood concentrated on:
- Promulgating Muslim education and moral guidance.
- Instilling anti-imperialist sensibilities in the urban population.
- Publishing a program focused on addressing societal ignorance and poverty.
- Advocating for a political system based on Sharia (Islamic law).
The organization temporarily supported Islamic socialism and endorsed Syria’s 1961 withdrawal from the United Arab Republic.
Political Opposition and Conflicts
Baath Party Era
The Brotherhood’s opposition found a new focus after the Baath Party seized power in 1963. The socialist and secular policies of the regime, paired with the integration of rural populations into the state bureaucracy, prompted the Brotherhood to resist more openly.
Division and Opposition
The organization faced a significant internal split in 1970 over the 1967 military defeat and the ascendancy of Hafez al-Assad. During the 1970s, the Brotherhood became a potent opponent of the Assad regime, even engaging in violent confrontations.
Crackdown and Decline
In response to mounting resistance, Hafez al-Assad’s government declared any affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood punishable by death in 1980. A substantial crackdown followed, culminating in the 1982 destruction of Hama, a known Brotherhood stronghold. This event significantly weakened the organization.
Suggested Further Reading
For those interested in a deeper exploration of the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria, the following books are recommended:
- “The Muslim Brotherhood in Syria” by Franz Lawson
- “Islamic Leviathan: Islam and the Making of State Power” by Muzaffar Kazi
- “Rethinking Nationalism in the Arab Middle East” edited by James Jankowski and I. Gershoni
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Muslim Brotherhood in Syria represents a significant chapter in the interplay between Islam and politics in the Middle Eastern context. Rooted in the progressive ideas of Hasan al-Banna, its evolution from a reformist educational movement to a formidable political opponent reflects the complex socio-political landscape of 20th-century Syria. The fierce crackdown by Hafez al-Assad in the early 1980s marked a turning point for the organization, whose influence greatly diminished thereafter.
The organization’s history offers crucial insights into broader themes of Islamic political activism, governance, and state repression in the Arab world.
