The ideological rivalry of the Saudi Arabia and Muslim Brotherhood has the potential
to create more fault lines and conflicts in MENA. In reality, collaboration
between the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliates with Iranian-led resistance
has become a significant challenge to Western interests and the status quo in
MENA. Although physically Muslim brotherhood on the ground is weak following the
Arab spring and counter crackdown by Status que forces but as it is said
ideology never dies hence it is an ideology
, and recent occurrences in Palestine have given it the opportunity to further
strengthen its roots in masses and convince more people to accept its cause.
Saudi Arabia's relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood
is historically complicated and multidimensional, marked by ideological
disputes, shifting alliances, and geopolitical calculations.
Historical Context and Relations
Hassan
al-Banna founded the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt in 1928. Its early message of
social justice, anti-colonialism, and Islamic reform drew broad support. Saudi
Arabia supported the Muslim Brotherhood from the early to mid-twentieth
century, considering it as an ally against secular Arab nationalism and
socialism, both of which were viewed as challenges to monarchical and religious
rule.
During the Cold War, Saudi Arabia and the Muslim
Brotherhood worked together to combat the development of communism and secular
Arab nationalism movements led by Egypt's Gamal Abdul Nasser. Saudi Arabia and
the Muslim Brotherhood worked together to help the Afghan Mujahideen against
the Soviet invasion, strengthening their partnership.
The
relationship deteriorated during the Gulf War, when the Muslim Brotherhood
protested the deployment of US soldiers in Saudi Arabia, while the Saudi
government considered them as vital to counter Iraqi aggression The Muslim
Brotherhood's growing political influence in several nations, notably during
the Arab Spring (2010-2011), concerned Saudi Arabia. The Brotherhood's triumph
in Egyptian and Tunisian elections posed a danger to the Saudi governance model
and regional influence.
Saudi Arabia has designated the Muslim
Brotherhood as a terrorist group, cracking down on its activities domestically
while supporting similar steps by allied countries.
The Brotherhood's political success, along with assistance from Qatar and
Turkey, has resulted in regional rivalries, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and
Egypt banding together to counter Qatari and Turkish influence.The Saudi
government remains profoundly distrustful of the Muslim Brotherhood's goals and
continues to fight its influence, pushing for stability and opposing what it
perceives as the disruptive consequences of political Islam.
Ideological
Differences between Muslim Brotherhood and Saudi Arabia
Hassan Al-Banna felt that Islamic principles might help
address societal issues and build a strong Islamic community. The organization
hoped to do this through social activity, education, and political
participation. Their philosophy is sometimes classified as Islamist, since they
want to incorporate Islamic law and values into society's legal and political
structures.
The
Muslim Brotherhood developed throughout the Arab world, appealing to
individuals who believed conventional Islamic organizations did not address
social concerns. They established a network of social services, schools, and
enterprises, acquiring influence throughout the region.
The
Brotherhood's ties with governments have been strained. They have suffered
repression in a number of states, including Egypt and Syria. Some Brotherhood
sections encourage political engagement, while others urge for more
revolutionary measures.
On the other hand ,Saudi Arabia's worldview is heavily
entrenched in Wahhabism, a fundamentalist offshoot of Sunni Islam founded by
Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab in the 18th century.
Muhammad
Ibn AbdulWahhab made an agreement with the Saud dynasty in 1740, which
dominated eastern Arabia. This partnership protected Wahhabism and legitimized
the Saud monarchy. Wahhabism stresses strict obedience to Islamic precepts
while condemning actions perceived as innovations or deviations.
Saudi
governance is influenced by Wahhabi beliefs, including the legal system and
social standards. The religious institution has tremendous power, but the royal
family retains ultimate control. Some of ideological differences between Wahhabi
ideology and Muslim Brotherhood are as under. (credit to Gemini.google.com for
helping create this chart)
Saudi Arabia's early backing for the Brotherhood stems from a shared dread of secularism and communism. However, the seeds of tension were also planted. The Brotherhood's objective of gradual social transformation and democratic development posed a challenge to the Saudi monarchy's absolute rule. Furthermore, Wahhabism's stringent interpretation of Islam contrasted with the Brotherhood's more pragmatic approach. Despite these underlying tensions, the Cold War afforded a time of pragmatic collaboration, as both sides perceived one other as rivals
The Arab Spring revolutions represented a watershed moment. The Brotherhood's election victories in Egypt and Tunisia alarmed the Saudi establishment. They viewed these achievements as a direct challenge to their own governing paradigm and a possible source of internal opposition. The ensuing Saudi response, which supported military coups and authoritarian governments, soured relations even more. This competition has become a major source of regional instability, exacerbating sectarian tensions and impeding democratic reforms.
The future of this relation is questionable. Saudi Arabia's internal and foreign policies will play a vital role. Will they emphasize regional stability and seek a way to cohabit with the Brotherhood, or will they continue to consider them as an existential threat? The emergence of new regional actors such as Iran and Turkey further complicates the scenario. They will likely have an impact on power relations and may open up new options for collaboration or conflict. Ultimately, the Saudi-Muslim Brotherhood conflict will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the Middle East in the years to come.