Recently, the UAE Fatwa council has declared the Muslim brotherhood to be defined as a terrorist organization. They declared this due to the group’s support for violent extremist groups, disputes with leaderships, and disobedience. Egypts Grand Mufti announced that taking part in the banned muslim brotherhood is religiously banned, for its disdain for the rules and beliefs of the religion. Although the muslim brotherhood claims to have religious motives, the participation in the group is prohibited. The council is quoted for saying “(The group) blindly follows partisan objectives that are running contrary to the guidance of our graceful religion, while taking religion as a mask to disguise its purposes in order to practice the opposite such as sedition, wreaking havoc, committing violence and terrorism.” These acts are forbidden, according to the teachings of prophet Muhammad and the holy Quran.
Along with the article, there is a picture showing Muslim Brotherhood members throwing rocks at army and police workers. In the picture, I noticed that I can only see men. This is not the first or last time a group has been named “terrorist” in this region and religion. This ban and statement of the Muslim Brotherhood can have a negative effect on the region. Fear and violence is spreading, people are joining and breaking their religious commitments either knowing or unknowingly. I think it could be possible that some are being persuaded with false information, believing that they are doing the “right thing.” This could lead to a huge separation in beliefs that could lead to conflict or war.
In terms of power, logistically speaking, the United Arab Emirates is more powerful than the Muslim Brotherhood. Although the Muslim Brotherhood is not a state, we can compare factors of power. The UAE has GDP, population, territory, and military forces. The Muslim Brotherhood lacks many of these things, except for possibly a “population” and a good “system of beliefs.” It is clear to see the the Muslim brotherhood is using power of ideas to convince their followers to support them through religious and patriotic feelings.