Abstract This paper examines the EgyptianMuslim Brotherhood. It provides a brief historical background of the formation of the group and discusses its goals. The paper focuses on the future possibility of the Muslim Brotherhood, as opposed to its past. The paper presents the author's personal views on the past and the future of the group.
Table of Contents:
Preface
Historical Backdrop
Peace is the Way
Plan to Succeed
Interpreting the Future
Drawing Conclusions
From the Paper "Perhaps most interesting in the future would be the influential stance of the West. While the colonialism may be dead, imperialism certainly is not. As earlier stated, the West is strongly in favor of the current regime as it is viewed as non-threatening. Countries that have strong Islamic fundamentalist government's have tended to give a strong case of heartburn to Western leaders. However, I feel that it must be pointed out that most of those countries were run by hard-lined Islamic fundamentalists, while the Muslim Brotherhood is decidedly centrist in nature. It's my belief that when faced with other countries with more hard-lined leaders, the West would remain fairly neutral in it's stance towards the Muslim Brotherhood. In other words, I believe Western leaders would find it considerably easier to negotiate and ally the Muslim Brotherhood than it ever did with the Taliban or has been able to with the current Iranian regime."
Describes & compares history & evolution of Jama'at-i-Islami (Pakistan, founded in 1941) & Muslim Brotherhood (Egypt. 1928) & explains failure of first (elitist) & success of second (populist).
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 9 sources, 1994, $ 119.95
From the Paper " After more than twelve centuries of existence, which included persecution at the hands of "crusading" medieval Christians and colonial domination by Great Britain throughout Asia and Africa in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, a new fire was ignited within various individuals and groups in the Muslim world in the years between the first and second World Wars. The fire in the hearts of men like Maulana Maududi and Hasan al-Banna burned for the establishment of Muslim states in Pakistan and Egypt (and elsewhere), democracies which would restore dignity to the people by allowing them to "reassert the cultural traditions derived from their religion," and for those who "clung tenaciously . . . to the memory of a brilliant civilization which, in their eyes, was irreplaceable by anything the West had to offer.". Unfortunately, the test of time has."
Abstract This paper examines the role of Hadith, traditions about Muhammad, in Islam. It clarifies the reasons for the importance of such traditions to Sunni Muslims and looks at one of the most lively and potentially liberating trends in contemporary Islam, the complete rejection of the religious value of Hadith.
From the Paper "The first problematic feature of hadith literature is precisely its casual, anecdotal nature. The hadith collections incorporate a large volume of material about the Prophet which varies from tales which are regarded ? even by most modern secular historians - as almost certainly authentic down to those which are regarded as highly improbable. Although Islamic scholars soon developed a "science" of hadith (riwayat) which seems admirable in comparison to the speculativeness which surrounds debate about the authenticity of traditions concerning Christ, the fact remains that the extant hadith collections date from a period as late as about a quarter of a millennium after Muhammed allegedly died. (I say "allegedly" because it is from the hadith literature itself that the Prophet's life dates are determined.)"
Abstract In this paper, the writer maintains that to read "Sinuhe the Egyptian" as solely a piece of political propaganda would significantly underestimate the narrative qualities of the tale and the maturity of ancient Egyptian literature. The writer notes that Miroslav Barta, an Egyptologist, claims that the text serves primarily as political propaganda, idealizing Egyptian society and especially its monarchy. The writer maintains that the lengthy poetic interlude at the point in the story at which Sinuhe meets the Syrian King for the first time does suggest an idealistic attitude toward the Egyptian theocracy. However, the writer notes that other scholars point out that Sinuhe demonstrates literary prowess; its ending comes as a surprise but only when read within a modern framework and corresponding biases. The writer concludes that rather than being propaganda, "Sinuhe the Egyptian" is more clearly an epic literary journey.
From the Paper "In the first case, Sinuhe naturally waxes poetic about the ruler from whom he fled; he never once suggests that he doubts the divinity of the pharaoh's office. His fear of civil strife stems not from a disregard for the court but from personal cowardice (Lorton). Furthermore, he praises the new king so as to not appear weak and pitiable in the eyes of the Syrian King who discovered him. His positive attitude engenders favor, causing the Syrian King to trust him immediately and give him his daughter's hand in marriage as well as scores of wealth and land. If the Syrian King suspected that Sinuhe were a disloyal subject it is unlikely he would have offered such kind service."
Abstract This is a review of the Egyptians by Cyril Aldred. The writer finds that this is a thorough look at how Egyptians lived, worked and developed nations throughout history. Factual data from the book is derived from various sources to provide detailed analysis of a very broad topic.
Abstract This paper provides a discussion of the long tradition of the influence of ancient Egyptian art on ancient Greek artists. The paper looks at how the art of both are affected by their societies' world views. The paper discusses the primary functions of Egyptian art and the different style of Greek art, particularly in relation to depiction of figures.
From the Paper "This paper compares ancient Egyptian art with ancient Greek art and considers the ways in which the Greeks were influenced by Egyptian art. Egypt established a long and enduring artistic tradition. Greek art drew heavily on that background, using many of the same kinds of subjects and incorporating many similar symbols but then reinterpreted them through very different eyes and a strikingly different cultural perception. Both visions continue to have a profound impact on artists in modern cultures from their representation of everyday life to the varied..."
Abstract This paper discusses the mythological Goddess, Isis, and her maternal influence on art. The paper looks at how she became an Egyptian icon, idolized in art because she represented the feminine aspects of life: creation, rebirth, ascension, intuition, wifely fidelity, healing, magic, love and compassion. According to the paper, Isis possessed great skill in magic, loyalty to her husband, womanly power and maternal protection, all represented in artifacts.
From the Paper "The Egyptian culture had an amazing ability to preserve their past because their civilization focused on a strong religion-based mythology. This mythological faith was prominently observed in relics of art. The prevailing mythological Goddess Isis was among the most important illuminating and inspiring Goddess displayed in Egyptian art. Her influence in mythological tales caused her to be an Egyptian icon because she represented the feminine aspects of life; creation, rebirth, ascension, intuition, wifely fidelity..."
Abstract This paper presents a review of Raymond Cohen's book, "Culture and Conflict in Egyptian-Israeli Relations: A Dialogue pf The Deaf". The genesis and structure of the argument, as well as Cohen's style and methods are reviewed. The analysis presents a mixed review -- appreciative of the insights Cohen offers, but skeptical that he is completely objective in his argument.
Abstract The paper examines how many Americans believe that when the Muslim men divorce their wives, the wives have to struggle to provide for themselves and their children. The paper explains that this is simply not true. The paper explains how Islamic beliefs require Muslim men to give proper care of their women even when they divorce. The paper maintains that it is important to take a look at the procedures and statistics concerning Muslim divorce and how it affects American Muslim wives. The paper notes that American Muslim women have lower statistics of divorce, yet it affects them differently than American white women.
From the Paper "How easy or difficult is it for Muslim women to divorce in America? What are the statistics concerning Muslim women versus American "white" women concerning divorce? Many Americans have the picture in their minds of Muslim men saying, "I divorce you. I divorce you. I divorce you" (Distorted Image of Muslim Women)."
This paper analyzes the culture of Islam, its effect on women and the recent emergence of various women's organizations that deal with specific issues relevant to Muslim women.
Abstract This paper examines the various Muslim cultures and their attitudes towards women. Women in Afghanistan suffer from human rights abuses, females are not allowed to work, they receive no education and are often denied health care services. This paper discusses the numerous Muslim women's organizations that have emerged around the world. These organizations have active women participants and deal specifically with issues of relevance to women. Many Muslim women are critical of the ideals of equality formulated in the western world, and question the values of sexual equality. The writer of this paper also delves into the use of the veil which is the hallmark of Islamist women worldwide. Once seen as a symbol of oppression and backwardness in the discourse of colonial domination, the veil was given up by most upper class and middle-class Muslim women in the early part of the 20th century. However, it has recently made a global comeback with the Islamic revival. Islamist discourse portrays a contradictory attitude towards gender. There are still Islamic condoned practices and institutions, which gender activists find difficult to explain and reinterpret. For example, even the most committed gender activists have difficulties in explaining the issue of polygamy.
From the Paper "Many Muslim women are critical of the ideals of equality formulated in the Western liberation paradigms. They ask whether 'sexual equality' is a good thing after all. Islamist women seem to have opted for complementarity of the sexes and strictly defined gender roles. Many non-Islamist women feel the Islamist 'return to Islam' to be regressive and backward. These non-Islamist women have internalized the popular media image of 'fundamentalism' as being fanatical, irrational, anti-modem and misogynistic. So, is Islamism always opposed to women's rights and autonomy? Does it deny women educational and employment opportunities? Have the movements succeeded in making their 'ideal Muslim woman' (the home-making, self-sacrificing mother and wife) a reality?"
Tags: islam, religion, culture, women, rights, equality, tradition, religion, muslim
Abstract This paper describes the daily lives and culture of the black American Muslim and Nation of Islam communities. The paper defines these groups and their customs and religious rituals. It illustrates the historical leaders of the black Muslim movements, including in depth biographies of Malcolm X and Louis Farrakhan. The paper discusses the missionary and racist elements in these movements.
From the Paper "Religion is important to many Americans not simply because they believe that their faith will bring them to a better world in the afterlife or because it will guide their actions as a moral and good individual here on earth but also because it provides them with a sense of self-identity. Religion tells people who they are, how they are different from other people, to which community they belong. This may be especially true for black Muslims. This paper examines the black Muslim and Nation of Islam movements within the larger context of religious life in contemporary America and the context of the daily lives of black Americans as we enter the 21st century.
It may be helpful for us toe begin with some basic definitions. Black Muslims are simply those followers of a predominantly black religious movement in the United States who profess Islam as their faith. Not all of the followers of this movement are in fact black, although nearly all of them are black or have a black member of their family (such as a spouse or child) who is involved. The movement encompasses not only spiritual and liturgical aspects of life but political and wide-ranging cultural as well, including an emphasis on economic cooperation and self-sufficiency for black communities and individuals. "
Tags: black, muslim, nation, islam, regilion, contemporary, america, identity, 21st, century, united, states, spiritual, political, cultural, farrakhan, malcom, x
Abstract This paper discusses Muslim Empires and the interpretation of Islam. It looks at the power of the Ottoman Empire and its demise, the Mughal Empire and emperors and the views of Edward Said regarding historical knowledge of another culture.
From the Paper "According to Akbar S Ahmed the main Muslim empires were the Ottomans the Safavids and the Mughals. At its height the empire of the Ottomans extended from Budapest to Yemen and from Baghdad to Algeria. In spite of the size of the empire and the power of the ..."
Tags: Said, Ahmed, Islam, Muslim empires, Ottoman, Mughal
Abstract This paper discusses and evaluates the use of databases at the British Columbia Muslim Association. The author finds that more extensive use of databases could be implemented and combined with the association's Web site.
From the Paper "The British Columbia Muslim Association (BCMA) is a largely volunteer organization that operates a central Web site with links to Islamic resources in the BC community. The Web site is currently undergoing ..."
Tags: databases, british columbia muslim association, bcma, distributed databases, oracle
