Political Islam gained momentum from "summary" of A Rage for Order by Robert F. Worth
In Egypt, political Islam gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s, as a response to the failures of secular nationalist regimes. The Muslim Brotherhood had long been a thorn in the side of President Nasser, and when Sadat came to power, he made a fateful decision to release its members from prison. This decision would have far-reaching consequences, as the Brotherhood began to build a popular base that would eventually challenge the authority of the state. The rise of political Islam was not limited to Egypt. In countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, Islamist movements were gaining strength as well. The Iranian Revolution of 1979 was a turning point, as Ayatollah Khomeini established a theocratic regime that sought to export its revolutionary ideology throughout the region. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, was grappling with its own Islamist challenge, as conservative clerics sought to impose their vision of Islamic law on the kingdom. The appeal of political Islam lay in its promise of social justice and moral renewal. For many Muslims, the failures of secular nationalism had left a spiritual and moral void that Islamist movements sought to fill. They promised to create a more just and equitable society, free from the corruption and decadence that had come to define many Arab states. However, the rise of political Islam also brought new challenges. Islamist movements were often divided by ideology and strategy, leading to internal conflicts that weakened their ability to challenge the state. Moreover, their uncompromising stance on issues like women's rights and religious freedom alienated many potential allies, making it difficult for them to build broad-based coalitions.- The rise of political Islam was a reflection of the deep-seated discontent that many Arabs felt towards their rulers. Islamist movements offered a vision of society that resonated with these feelings, promising a return to a more authentic and moral form of governance. However, their inability to overcome internal divisions and build broad-based support would ultimately limit their ability to effect real change in the region.
