Muslim Brotherhood is a terrorist group: Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars

 

In recent statements, Saudi Arabia's Council of Senior Scholars, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), labeled the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization and emphasized that it does not represent Islam. The council accused the group of pursuing partisan objectives that contradict the tenets of Islam, using religion as a disguise for actions such as sedition, violence, and terrorism. This article seeks to explore the Saudi perspective on the Muslim Brotherhood, shedding light on the reasons behind the condemnation and the perceived threat posed by the organization.

To comprehend the Saudi stance, it is essential to delve into the historical context of the Muslim Brotherhood. The group, founded in Egypt in 1928, initially aimed to promote Islamic principles and societal reform. Over time, its activities evolved, leading to a diverse range of opinions about its objectives and methods. While the Muslim Brotherhood has engaged in political processes in various countries, it has faced accusations of supporting violence and seeking to destabilize governments.

The Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia categorically labels the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group and asserts that it does not authentically represent Islam. The council contends that the organization deviates from the guidance of Islam, alleging that it uses religious rhetoric to conceal its true objectives, including sowing discord, causing havoc, and promoting violence and terrorism.

According to the council, the Muslim Brotherhood's mission extends beyond advocating for social and political change. It accuses the group of actively calling for rebellion against rulers, wreaking havoc in states, and destabilizing coexistence within countries. The statement implies that the Brotherhood's objectives are not aligned with the principles of peaceful coexistence and social harmony.

The council further claims that the Muslim Brotherhood's sole aim is to seize political power, accusing it of neglecting genuine concerns related to Islamic creed. From the Saudi perspective, the organization is portrayed as a political entity using religion as a tool to achieve its political goals rather than genuinely upholding Islamic values.

Saudi Arabia's perception of the Muslim Brotherhood is also influenced by broader regional dynamics. The organization has been a significant player in various Arab countries, participating in political processes and, at times, facing resistance from ruling authorities. The Saudi government's concern may stem from the fear that the Brotherhood's ideology could challenge existing power structures in the region, potentially leading to political instability.

The condemnation of the Muslim Brotherhood by Saudi Arabia is not isolated but part of a broader trend where several countries in the region have expressed reservations about the group. Some countries have designated it as a terrorist organization, while others view it with suspicion due to its alleged involvement in activities contrary to national interests.

In response to the perceived threat posed by the Muslim Brotherhood, Saudi authorities have urged the public to stay away from the organization and not sympathize with its actions. This advisory reflects the government's concern about the potential influence the group might wield, particularly among its citizens.

The Saudi perspective on the Muslim Brotherhood underscores a deep-seated concern about the organization's intentions and activities. The labeling of the group as a terrorist organization and the assertion that it does not represent Islam reflects a significant divergence of views on the role of political Islam in governance. As regional and global dynamics continue to evolve, understanding the nuanced perspectives on the Muslim Brotherhood becomes crucial for navigating the complex relationships within the Muslim world and beyond.