The Muslim Brotherhood in Syria, 1945–1958: Founding, Social Origins, Ideology
This article examines the founding, social origins, and ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria from 1945 to 1958. The organization was influenced ideologically by the original Egyptian Brotherhood, but its founding was essentially an independent move. Unlike its Egyptian counterpart during this period, the Syrian Brotherhood was a participant in parliamentary politics. Its discourse was reflective of this fact, and in public it emphasized the universal nature of its message and eschewed sectarianism in Syria's divided society. An examination of internal documents, however, reveals that the organization was concerned with protecting Syria's Sunni Muslim majority. While in Egypt the Ikhwan developed in opposition to the establishment 'ulama', which were seen as being unresponsive to the needs of Muslims in a modern society, in Syria the 'ulama' played a leading role in the organization.
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 March 2011
The Middle East Institute has published The Middle East Journal quarterly since 1947. The Journal provides original and objective research and analysis, as well as source material, on the area from Morocco to Pakistan. The Journal provides the background necessary for an understanding and appreciation of the region's political and economic development, cultural heritage, ethnic and religious diversity.
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