Al-Banna, Hasan (1906–1949)

Hasan al-Banna was the founder of the most influential Islamic revival movement of the 20th century, the Association of Muslim Brothers (al-Ikhwan alMuslimun). Al-Banna was born in Egypt in 1906. He received basic Islamic education in Isma'liyyah and memorized the Qur'an at an early age. His fervor for Islamic spirituality led him to join Hasafiyyah, a Sufi order. After high school, he received training as a teacher at Dar al-Ulum. There he sharpened his organizational skills and became a teacher. As he grew up, he was disturbed by how Muslims were treated by the foreign occupiers of Egypt and decided to change the situation. He encouraged Muslims to regain their lost glory. He preached vigorously and affirmed to his listeners that they could free their country from all foreign occupation by adhering to Islam and practicing it in their daily life. Eventually, he won enough followers to form the movement of the Muslim Brothers in 1928, whose goal was to establish an Islamic State.

Al-Banna was very clear about his objectives and how to achieve them. His goals were to produce a Muslim individual, a Muslim family, a Muslim community, and an Islamic state where Islam would govern the society in all aspects of life. He then designed programs and sets goals to attain these objectives. His treatise, the 20 principles (al-usul al-'ishrun), demonstrates how to develop an individual practicing [Page 63]Muslim. To al-Banna, Muslims should emulate the prophet Muhammad in their daily live.

To create both a Muslim family and society, alBanna pleaded for Muslim unity and support for one another socially, by creating a healthy environment for all Muslims. Through their networking, the Muslim Brothers established schools, created businesses and jobs, and encouraged education to eliminate poverty. By 1935, the movement spread across Arabia and into other Muslim countries.

Al-Banna wrote books on jihad, Qur'anic interpretation, and instructional pamphlets to illustrate his views and opinions about his new understanding of Islam. He borrowed from Jamal Din al-Afghani, Muhammad Abduh, and Rashid Rida's ideas of reformation and expanded on them. He was able to win many members, including many women, to his movement. Al-Banna was an eloquent speaker, an ardent preacher, a kind and caring teacher, a visionary leader, and a focused reformer. He never deviated from his plans, yet he was wise enough to adjust his programs, accept criticism, and make necessary modifications as the situation dictated.

Toward the end of his life, al-Banna clashed with the Egyptian government, especially after the assassination of the Egyptian prime minister, al-Nukrashi, in 1948. Al-Banna was assassinated by the Egyptian government in 1949. Whereas many movements die with the death of their founders, the Muslim Brothers have had more success since al-Banna's death. His ideas remain extremely influential throughout the Muslim world, as many Muslims wholeheartedly embrace his ideology.