Dr Mohammed Badie succeeded Mohammad Mahdi Akef as the 8th Supreme Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood in January 2010. Badie is a professor of veterinary pathology at Beni-Suef University in southern Egypt, but has been elected to his position due to his work with various administrative offices, Education Association, and subsequently, the International Guidance Bureau of the Muslim Brotherhood, which is the largest Islamic political party in Egypt.
Leader of an Expansive Muslim Network
Dr Badie heads the oldest and largest Muslim social, religious, and political organization in existence. The Muslim Brotherhood forms the leading opposition party in many Muslim countries and has branches in most of the Muslim World, besides its base in Egypt. Members of the organization can be found in Bahrain, Syria, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Algeria, Sudan, Somalia, Tunisia, and Libya, as well as the United States. In light of its expanse, Dr Badie is a strong advocate of internal unity within the Brotherhood as well as globally, between all Muslims.
Model of Conservatism
Dr Badie represents a conservative shift in the leadership of the Muslim Brotherhood. Due to his background in education and religious conservatism, analysts predict that he will emphasize the Brotherhood’s social work. Though he has been imprisoned in the past on multiple occasions due to political activities, Dr Badie stressed in his inaugural address the need for gradual reform based on dialogue and non-violence.
Post Mubarak-Era
Hosni Mubarak was forced to resign as President of Egypt on February 11, 2011 after having held power since 1981. The elections that the Egyptian Revolution wanted finally began in November 2011. They lasted for 6 weeks, in 3 phases, to vote for 498 members of the People’s Assembly. The Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party –won 235 seats (47.2%). However, In June 2012, the Supreme Constitutional Court ruled the elections void leaving the country with no parliament and concentrating power even more firmly in the hands of the generals who took over from Mubarak. That decision was itself overturned when the Presidential post was won by the Brotherhood‘s candidate in June 2012.
Dr. Mohamed Badie, Muslim Brotherhood Chairman, stressed that a nation can rise and develop a worthy civilization only with the endeavors of its sons and daughters, pointing that the people are the backbone of real renaissance and rejuvenation.
-The Muslim Brotherhood is the biggest winner of Egypt’s revolt. They now face the challenge of being a ruling party, not just an opposition, and all eyes are on how they deal with Israel, pluralism, protect minorities, and deal with the economy
Citizen of: Egypt
Birth: 7 August 1943 (Age: 69)
Source of Influence: Administration of Religious Affairs, Philanthropy, Charity & Development, Political
Influence: Leader of a transnational movement in Egypt and across the Middle East, Africa, the UK, and US
School of Thought: Muslim Brotherhood, Sunni
Stay up to date on the latest developments with the Muslim 500. We’ll never share your email with others.
Please leave your suggestions for improving the Muslim 500 here:
