AN ANALYSIS OF THE RELATION BETWEEN SUFISM AND MUSLIM BROTHER HOOD IN Egypt

The relation between Sufism and Muslim Brother Hood in Egypt is important, because this essay is about two strong institutes and streams that in addition to Egypt, effect on other Islamic country. The root of this relation is referring to the period, which is before the establishment of Muslim Brother Hood. Hasan Al-Banna, founder of Muslim Brother Hood, had Sufi background, which make Sufis to attract toward Ikhwan Al-Muslimin and consequently strengthen the Sufi dimension of Ikhwan. Hasan Al-Banna, by influence of Egyptian Sufi culture, established Muslim Brother Hood. Some of these Impacts are initiation of ceremonies for birthday of Prophet Muhammad, sessions for recollection (dhikr) and organization of Muslim Brother Hood, which is based on the relation of devotee and sheikh. This Sufi beginning diden’t continue for a long time. In spite of Sufi Egyptian atmosphere, they entered to policy and then contrast the government, so gradually the distance between them and Sufism started appear. Entering to the military state and establishing special or secret system for Ikhwan for fighting their enemy is another cause to increase the distance between them and Sufism. As a result, in spite of first decade of Ikhwan which known as a Sufi order, on fifth decade, violence and extremism were the characteristics of Ikhwan. After disagreement with ‘Abd al-Nasser, the Muslim Brother Hood’s reaction against his oppression, was attitude toward violence and extremism by the influence of Sayyid Qutb’s works. Immigration to Persian Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia, speed up the process of Salafizasion of Ikhwan. Extension of Wahhabi thought in Egypt by the influence of financial power of its supporters and consequently tendency of new generation of Muslim Brother Hood toward Salafism is another step to going away from Sufism. In spite of variance between Sufism and Muslim Brother Hood, some of Ikhwan’s moderate leaders were obstacle on the way of extremism. This prevention is the result of remaining the Sufi culture, which is founded by Al-Banna and make this Sufi Atmosphere, is remaining in Muslim Brother Hood. Therefore, we can optimist Ikhwancome back to its Sufi root.