| INTERNATIONAL TERRORIST SYMBOLS DATABASE |
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| Muslim Brotherhood (1)
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Other Muslim Brotherhood Symbols:
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Description: A brown square frames a green circle with a
white perimeter. Two swords cross inside the circle beneath a red
Koran. The cover of the Koran says: "Truly, it is the Generous Koran."
The Arabic beneath the sword handles translates as "Be prepared."
Explanation: The swords reinforce the group's
militancy and, as traditional weapons, symbolize historic Islam. They
also reinforce the group's commitment to jihad. The Koran denotes the
group's spiritual foundation. The motto, "Be prepared," is a reference
to a Koranic verse that talks of preparing to fight the enemies of God.
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| Name Variations | Overview | Focus of Operations | Major Attacks | Leaders | Ideology | Goals | Methods | Sponsors | U.S.- Related Activities | |
Name Variations
Society of Muslim Brothers, The Brotherhood, Al-Ikhwan
Overview
The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna, an
Egyptian seeking to overthrow Egypt's monarchy, expel western influences
and establish an Islamic theocracy. Since its founding, the Muslim
Brotherhood, a Sunni Islamic movement, has pursued these goals through
political activity, ideological influence and acts of violence. The
group became known for its extensive terrorist operations, including the
failed assassination attempt of Egyptian leader Gamal Abdul Nasser. Its
activities led to violent crackdowns by the governments of Egypt and
Syria; it is banned in those countries.
While forced to limit its violent activity, the Muslim Brotherhood
continues to have a large following throughout the Muslim world, where
many of its supporters are politically active. The group has influenced
many terrorist leaders – including Osama Bin Laden and Ayman al Zawahiri
– and many of its members have engaged in terrorist activities.
Focus of Operations
Headquartered in Egypt; satellite groups throughout the Muslim world
Major Attacks
The Muslim Brotherhood no longer openly conducts terrorist operations;
it is primarily a political organization that supports terrorism and
terrorist causes. Many of its members, however, have engaged in
terrorist activities and the group has spawned numerous terrorist
groups, such as Hamas and Egyptian Islamic Jihad.
- 2002: Suspected in suicide bombing in Grozny.
- 1979: Suspected in attacking Syrian military academy in Aleppo. 50 Syrian artillery cadets killed
Leaders
- Leader: Muhammad Mahdi Akef (in Egypt)
- Founder: Hassan al-Banna (assassinated, February 12, 1949)
- Ideological influence: Sayyid Qutb (executed by Egypt, August 29, 1966)
Ideology
The Muslim Brotherhood's theology is based on the doctrine of salafiyya:
the belief that present-day Muslims have been corrupted and must return
to the pristine form of Islam practiced at the time of the Prophet
Muhammad. Many Muslim Brotherhood members believe in a radical
application of Jihad, which was developed by their ideological leader
Sayyid Qutb. Qutb advocated a violent and belligerent approach to the
concept of Jihad. This ideology was adopted by terrorist organizations
such as al-Qaeda, and Hamas. The group motto is: "Allah is our
objective. The Prophet is our leader. Koran is our law. Jihad is our
way. Dying in the way of Allah is our highest hope." The Muslim
Brotherhood aspires to establish a caliphate unifying all the Muslim
nations.
Goals
Establishing theocracy in Egypt, the Middle East, ultimately worldwide.
Methods
Preaching, political agitation and advocating terrorism. The brotherhood
participates in elections and attempts to gain influence through the
political process. Although it is banned in Egypt, members of the
brotherhood have been elected to the legislature there and in Jordan. It
also promotes violence against the U.S. and Israel.
Sponsors
Although banned by various governments, the Muslim Brotherhood presence is generally tolerated amongst Middle Eastern countries.
U.S.-Related Activities
A document that has surfaced in the trial of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development (HLF),
a charity long suspected of supporting terrorists by funneling money
to Hamas and its officials, purports to outline a strategic vision of
the future of Islamic work in North America. The document - An Explanatory Memorandum On the General Strategic Goal for the Group in North America
- appears to be the work of the Muslim Brotherhood. It is written by
Mohamed Akram (Adlouni), an alleged Muslim Brotherhood official and one
of many unindicted coconspirators in the HLF trial. Some observers
suggest that this document identifies a conspiracy by the Muslim
Brotherhood to convert the United States to an Islamic nation. Other
observers suggest that the document proves how several Islamic
organizations are linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and are working
together to achieve the goals listed in the document.
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