Inside the Muslim Brotherhood

This insightful analysis explores the complexities of the Muslim Brotherhood, revealing its resilience and influence in Egyptian society over decades.

The book Inside the Muslim Brotherhood offers an in-depth examination of the organization’s identity, structure, and activism in Egypt since 1981. It delves into the key elements that contribute to the Brotherhood's resilience, shedding light on how it has managed to thrive despite significant regime repression and exclusion over the past three decades. The author, Khalil al-Anani, meticulously analyzes the processes of socialization, indoctrination, recruitment, and mobilization that are integral to the movement's operations.

Al-Anani posits that the Brotherhood is not solely a political entity seeking power; rather, it serves as an identity creator, aiming to reshape societal values, norms, and morals in alignment with its ideological framework. This socio-political movement engages in a profound process of meaning-making and symbolic production, which significantly influences individual identities and provides a sense of purpose to its members. The result is a unique code of identity that governs the norms, values, and regulations binding members together, sustaining their activism and guiding their behavior.

Furthermore, Inside the Muslim Brotherhood explores the internal dynamics of the organization, highlighting the balance of power and the various divisions that exist within the movement. Al-Anani discusses how these internal differences impact the Brotherhood's strategies and decision-making processes, providing a comprehensive understanding of its enduring presence in Egyptian society.