Brotherhood Crucial Response

The Islam debate Egypt needs

Six months after a coalition of activist groups in Egypt toppled Hosni Mubarak from power, many in the West ar e once again raising alarms that the so-called Arab Spring is merely the harbinger of an Islamist takeover of the Middle East.

The latest salvo comes in response to a rally held in Tahrir Square last Friday that was dominated by Islamist and Salafist (ultra-conservative Muslim) groups, many of them associated with the Muslim Brotherhood. The sheer size and strength of the demonstration was, for many, a sign that the dream of democracy in Egypt may be giving way to the reality of theocracy. The Washington Post wrote that the Islamists’ presence at the rally “was a stunning show of force that left the liberal pioneers of Egypt’s revolution reeling.”

It is true that Islamists comprised the largest and most vocal of the more than 25 different Egyptian organizations, most of them labor and youth groups, who organized last week’s mass show of unity against the country’s military rulers. But that is a reflection of their superior organizational skills and their ability to mobilize their members, and not of their political clout or their national support.

Polls show the Muslim Brotherhood doing poorly in parliamentary elections, with only 15 percent support. They are not even bothering to field a presidential candidate. There are more than 40 million voters in Egypt. Rallying tens of thousands of people to Tahrir Square is impressive, no doubt. But it is far from an indication of electoral prowess.

Yet what if this were an “Islamist rally,” as the press reported? What could be more crucial for a country trying to define its democratic future than allowing religious organizations who have spent the last 50 years huddled in mosques and hiding in back alleys to air their views to the voting public? Egypt desperately needs an open debate about the role of religion in society, the reconciliation of Islamic and democratic values. Six months ago, such talk would have landed these protesters in one of Mubarak’s sadistic prisons. Today they are part of the vibrant political debate that is taking place all over the country.

Muhyiddin urges Muslims to strengthen brotherhood | Broadcast.my

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 29, 2011): Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has called on the Muslims to take the opportunity of Aidilfitri to strengthen their brotherhood.

Wishing them Selamat Hari Raya, he said he believed that strong unity would enable Muslims to overcome all challenges.

“Unity is the key to allowing Muslims to rise and become the best people,” he said in his Aidilfitri message. Muhyiddin also called on Malaysians to make Aidilfitri a day to rekindle the spirit of unity and forgiveness, and to assist one another.

“Let’s visit our relatives and friends and strengthen our friendship. Let’s forget old disputes and offer forgiveness in this auspicious day. Let’s show our sympathy to the poor and the less fortunate,” he said.

He also prayed for peace for Muslims in Malaysia and throughout the world .

Meanwhile, in his National Day message, Muhyiddin called on all Malaysians to strengthen their resolve to work together to make the nation ’s transformation programme a success.

Muhyiddin said a strong unity among the multiracial and multireligious people was key to making the country’s transformation a success.

“Today, our country is undergoing a crucial transformation process under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Our country is taking the strides to becoming a developed and high-income nation by 2020,” he said in his message in conjunction with the 54th National Day.

He called on the people to fully support the initiative, saying it would determine the country’s future.

He urged the people to unite under the 1Malaysia vision.

“Let’s fly the Jalur Gemilang in our homes, on our vehicles and in our offices to demonstrate our pride and loyalty to our beloved country,” he said.

Response

Brotherhood

Brotherhood

Crucial Conversations, Tools for Talking when Stakes are High

Brotherhood, short one-act play