History of Muslim Brotherhood in Timeline
The Muslim Brotherhood is a transnational Sunni Islamist organization founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna. Al-Banna's teachings had a widespread influence, impacting Islamist movements ranging from charitable organizations to political parties.
1927: Contact with Amin al-Husseini
In 1927, al-Banna had been in contact with Amin al-Husseini.
March 1928: Founding of the Muslim Brotherhood in Ismailia
In March 1928, Hassan al-Banna founded the Muslim Brotherhood in the city of Ismailia along with six workers of the Suez Canal Company, as a Pan-Islamic, religious, political, and social movement. Al-Banna was appointed as their leader, vowing to work for Islam through Jihad and revive Islamic Brotherhood.
1928: Foundation of the Muslim Brotherhood
In 1928, Hassan al-Banna, an Islamic scholar, Imam, and schoolteacher, founded the Society of the Muslim Brothers, also known as the Muslim Brotherhood, in Egypt. His teachings would then spread influencing various Islamic movements from charitable organizations to political parties.
1934: Potential German Funding
As early as 1934, Germany may have funded the Brotherhood as they were interested in strengthening a militant anti-British organization. One later British source claimed that in 1936 alone, Germany transferred over £5.000.
1935: Muslim Brotherhood established in Palestine
In 1935, 'Abd al-Rahman al-Banna, brother of the Muslim Brotherhood founder, established the Muslim Brotherhood in Mandatory Palestine. Al-Hajj Amin al-Husseini was the leader of the group, and 'Izz al-Din al-Qassam led an armed resistance against the British.
1936: German Financial Transfer
In 1936 alone, Germany allegedly transferred over £5,000 to the Muslim Brotherhood. This transfer was intended to bolster the Brotherhood as a militant anti-British organization.
1936: Establishment of Muslim Brotherhood in Lebanon
In 1936, the Muslim Brotherhood established a branch in Lebanon as part of its aim to build a transnational organization.
1936: Membership Growth and Social Institutions
In 1936, the Muslim Brotherhood had 800 members. It founded social institutions such as hospitals, pharmacies, schools. Al-Banna held highly conservative views on issues such as women's rights, opposing equal rights for women, but supporting the establishment of justice towards women.
1936: Opposition to British Rule and Arab-Zionist Conflict
In 1936, the Muslim Brotherhood started to oppose British rule in Egypt. A central concern for the early Muslim Brotherhood was its pro-Arab activism for the Arab-Zionist conflict in Palestine, which in 1936–1939 culminated in the great Arab revolt. While absent before the outbreak of the revolt, the Brotherhood now began to make use of aggressive anti-Jewish rhetorics which also targeted the Jewish community in Egypt.
1937: Establishment of Muslim Brotherhood in Syria
In 1937, the Muslim Brotherhood established a branch in Syria as part of its aim to build a transnational organization.
1937: Establishment of Battalions
In late 1937, the Muslim Brotherhood established "battalions" (kata'ib), which were precursors to the "Secret Apparatus" (al-Nizam al-Khas).
1938: Formation of the Secret Apparatus
Between 1938 and 1940 or 1941 the Brotherhood formed an armed wing called the "Secret Apparatus" (al-Nizam al-Khas), also known as "Special Apparatus". This group was a successor of the "battalions" (kata'ib) established in late 1937.
1938: Increased Membership
By 1938, the Muslim Brotherhood had grown to 200,000 members and continued to expand its network of social institutions.
1938: Anti-Jewish Rhetoric
In 1938, the official weekly of the Brotherhood, al-Nadhir, published a series of articles titled "The Danger of Jews", warning of alleged Jewish plots against Islam like Freemasonry or Marxism. In 1938 al-Nadhir demanded from Egypt's Jews to either adopt an openly anti-Zionist stance or to face "hostility". It also criticized the prominent role of Jews in Egypt's society and their prominence in journalism, commercial spheres and the entertainment industry.
1940: Operation of the Secret Apparatus
Between 1938 and 1940 or 1941 the Brotherhood operated an armed wing called the "Secret Apparatus" (al-Nizam al-Khas), also known as "Special Apparatus". This group was a successor of the "battalions" (kata'ib) established in late 1937.
1941: Operation of the Secret Apparatus
Between 1938 and 1940 or 1941 the Brotherhood operated an armed wing called the "Secret Apparatus" (al-Nizam al-Khas), also known as "Special Apparatus". This group was a successor of the "battalions" (kata'ib) established in late 1937.
1941: Amin al-Husseini as German Propaganda Mouthpiece
Between 1941 and 1945, Amin al-Husseini served as a German propaganda mouthpiece. After the war the Brotherhood lobbied for granting Amin al-Husseini, asylum in Egypt.
October 1945: Establishment of Palestinian Branch
In October 1945, al-Banna designated al-Husseini a local Brotherhood leader to spread the influence of the new Palestinian branch.
November 1945: Official Registration of the Association of the Muslim Brotherhood
In November 1945, the Association of the Muslim Brotherhood (Jam'iyat al-Ikhwan al-Muslimin) was officially registered, with Abu Qura becoming its first General Supervisor.
November 1945: General Strike and Riots
On 2 November 1945, the Muslim Brotherhood organized a general strike protesting the Balfour declaration that eventually escalated into deadly riots targeting Jews and foreigners.
May 1946: Arrival of Amin al-Husseini in Cairo
In May 1946, Amin al-Husseini escaped from French imprisonment and arrived in Cairo, receiving a warm welcome, especially from al-Banna, who designated him a Brotherhood leader.
1946: Establishment of Muslim Brotherhood in Transjordan
In 1946, the Muslim Brotherhood established a branch in Transjordan as part of its aim to build a transnational organization.
January 1947: Rebranding of Arab Higher Executive
In January 1947, the Arab League rebranded the Arab Higher Executive as the Arab Higher Committee, with Amin al-Husseini as its Cairo-based chairman.
April 1947: Opposition to UN Involvement in Palestine
In April 1947, the Muslim Brotherhood opposed the UN's involvement in Palestine, with the latter eventually voting for its partition into a Jewish and an Arab state in November 1947.
October 1947: Volunteers Entering Palestine
In October 1947, Muslim Brotherhood volunteers began entering Palestine in preparation for war.
November 1947: UN Partition Vote and War Preparation
In November 1947, the UN voted for the partition of Palestine into a Jewish and an Arab state. Consequently, the society prepared for war, with volunteers entering Palestine as early as October 1947.
March 1948: Limited Presence of Fighters in Palestine
In March 1948, of the 10,000 fighters al-Banna had promised in October 1947 some 1,500 were present in Palestine.
March 1948: Assassination by Secret Apparatus
In March 1948, the "Secret Apparatus" assassinated a respected judge for issuing a life sentence against a Muslim Brother for attacking British soldiers.
May 1948: Palestinian Defeat and Arab Invasion
By May 1948, Palestine descended into a civil war fought between the Yishuv and al-Husseini's Arab Higher Committee, eventually ending in a Palestinian defeat. Brotherhood fighters assisted the Egyptian army northeast of Gaza and were also active in the West Bank.
1948: Significant Membership Growth
By 1948, the Muslim Brotherhood had over 2 million members, solidifying its presence and influence in Egyptian society.
1948: Brotherhood members fight in Arab-Israeli war
In 1948, Brotherhood members fought alongside the Arab armies during the Arab–Israeli war, leading to an increase in Palestinian Muslims joining the group due to the refugee crisis.
1948: Denunciation of Fascism and Militarism
In 1948, al-Banna denounced fascism and militarism in his book Peace in Islam.
1948: Assassination of Egyptian Prime Minister
In 1948, members of the Brotherhood conducted assassinations and attempted assassinations on Egyptian state figures, including Egyptian Prime Minister Mahmud El Nokrashi.
1948: Formation of Cell within the Brotherhood
In 1948, nationalist military officers (Free Officers Movement) formed a cell within the Brotherhood during the first war against Israel.
1948: Government Crackdowns and Fringe Status
In 1948, the Muslim Brotherhood faced the first of a succession of government crackdowns in Egypt. Despite this, it remained one of the largest organizations in Egypt. However, it remained a fringe group in the politics of the Arab world until the 1967 Six-Day War.
January 1949: Failed Bombing and al-Banna's Assassination
In January 1949, after a failed yet lethal bombing, al-Banna was killed on February 12th by vengeful Nokrashy supporters.
1951: Founding of the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS)
In 1951, the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) was founded. It maintains close personal and ideological ties with the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood.
1952: Overthrow of Egyptian Monarchy and Subsequent Crackdown
In 1952, Egypt's monarchy was overthrown by nationalist military officers who had formed a cell within the Brotherhood during the first war against Israel in 1948. The Brotherhood was again banned and thousands of its members were imprisoned.
1952: Accusations of Involvement in Cairo Fire
In 1952, members of the Muslim Brotherhood were accused of taking part in the Cairo Fire that destroyed some 750 buildings in downtown Cairo – mainly night clubs, theatres, hotels, and restaurants frequented by British and other foreigners.
December 1953: Muhammad 'Abd al-Rahman Khalifa Elected as Leader
On December 26, 1953, Muhammad 'Abd al-Rahman Khalifa was elected as the new leader of the Transjordanian Brotherhood by the movement's administrative committee. He replaced Abu Qura and retained this position until 1994.
1953: Sheikh Ahmad Sahnoun leads the Muslim Brotherhood in Algeria
From 1953 to 1954, Sheikh Ahmad Sahnoun led the Muslim Brotherhood organization in Algeria during the period of French colonialism.
1954: Muslim Brotherhood involvement in Algerian uprising against France
From 1954 to 1962, members and sympathizers of the Muslim Brotherhood participated in the uprising against France in Algeria.
1954: Muslim Brotherhood Impact in Saudi Arabia
In 1954, the Muslim Brotherhood began to have an impact inside Saudi Arabia as thousands of Egyptian Brethren sought refuge from President Gamal Abdel Nasser's clampdown, and Saudi Arabia sought conservative teachers for its new public school system.
1960: Growth of the Islamic Charter Front in Sudan
During the 1960s, the Islamic Charter Front, an offshoot of the Sudanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, experienced growth.
1960: Iraqi Islamic Party formed
In 1960, the Iraqi Islamic Party was formed as the Iraqi branch of the Muslim Brotherhood.
1961: Iraqi Islamic Party banned
In 1961, the Iraqi Islamic Party, the Iraqi branch of the Brotherhood, was banned during the nationalist rule of Abd al-Karim Qasim.
1961: Parliamentary Elections
In the 1961 parliamentary elections, the Brotherhood won ten seats (5.8% of the house).
1962: Qaradawi Chairs Qatari Institute
In 1962, Yusuf al-Qaradawi chaired the Qatari Secondary Institute of Religious Studies.
1962: Marginalization of the Muslim Brotherhood in Algeria
In 1962, following Algeria's independence from France, the largely secular FLN one-party rule was installed, marginalizing the Muslim Brotherhood movement, although they remained unofficially active.
February 1963: Government repression hardens
From February 1963, government repression hardened under the Baath Party forcing the Iraqi Islamic Party to continue underground.
1963: Banning of the Muslim Brotherhood
After the 1963 coup that brought the secular Ba'ath Party to power, the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood was banned.
1963: U.S. chapter of Muslim Brotherhood started
In 1963, the U.S. chapter of the Muslim Brotherhood was started by activists involved with the Muslim Students Association (MSA).
1964: Hasan al-Turabi becomes Secretary General of the Islamic Charter Front
In 1964, Islamic scholar Hasan al-Turabi became the Secretary General of the Islamic Charter Front (ICF) in Sudan, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood.
1967: Mosques in Gaza triple
Between 1967 and 1987, the year Hamas was founded, the number of mosques in Gaza tripled from 200 to 600.
1967: Rise of Islamism after Six-Day War
In 1967, following the Six-Day War and a significant Arab defeat by Israel, Islamism replaced secular Arab nationalism as the dominant ideology. The Muslim Brotherhood received support from Saudi Arabia, due to shared enemies such as communism, and was able to take a more prominent role in Arab Politics.
1967: Clashes with Egyptian government in Gaza
Until 1967, the Muslim Brotherhood frequently clashed with the Egyptian government that controlled the Gaza Strip.
1971: Establishment of North American Islamic Trust
In 1971, U.S. supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood started the North American Islamic Trust.
1974: Formation of Al Islah Group
In 1974, Muslim Brotherhood presence in the United Arab Emirates began with the formation of the Al Islah group in the United Arab Emirates with the approval of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
1975: Start of social institution building phase
Between 1975 and 1987, the Muslim Brotherhood named the period a phase of "social institution building," establishing associations, using zakat (alms giving) for aid, promoting schools, providing student loans, using waqf (religious endowments), and establishing mosques.
1977: Qaradawi Founds Department at University of Qatar
In 1977, Yusuf al-Qaradawi founded and directed the Shariah and Islamic Studies department at the University of Qatar.
1977: Series of meetings held in Lugano
In 1977, a series of two meetings held in 1977 and 1982 in Lugano, Switzerland. At the culmination of these meetings the Yusuf al-Qaradawi treaty instructs Brotherhood members to show "flexibility" when it comes to their activity outside the Islamic world, encouraging them to temporarily adopt Western values without deviating from their "basic [Islamic] principles."
1980: Membership Becomes Capital Offense
In 1980, membership in the Syrian Brotherhood became a capital offense in Syria under Emergency Law 49.
1981: Establishment of the Islamic Society of North America
In 1981, U.S. supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood started the Islamic Society of North America.
December 1982: Yusuf al-Qaradawi treaty
On 1 December 1982, Yusuf al-Qaradawi treaty was written at the culmination of a series of two meetings held in 1977 and 1982 in Lugano, Switzerland. The treaty instructs Brotherhood members to show "flexibility" when it comes to their activity outside the Islamic world, encouraging them to temporarily adopt Western values without deviating from their "basic [Islamic] principles."
1982: Hama Uprising Crushed
In 1982, the Hama uprising, in which the Muslim Brotherhood played a major role, was crushed by the military in Syria.
1984: "Ikhwan in America" details alleged activities of Muslim Brotherhood in US
In 1984, the document "Ikhwan in America" (Brotherhood in America) alleged that the Muslim Brotherhood in the US engaged in weapons training and counter-espionage against U.S. government agencies.
1987: Mosques in Gaza triple
Between 1967 and 1987, the year Hamas was founded, the number of mosques in Gaza tripled from 200 to 600.
1987: Hamas established during First Intifada
In 1987, following the First Intifada, the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, was established from Brotherhood-affiliated charities and social institutions.
1989: NIF organizes a coup to overthrow democratically elected government in Sudan
In 1989, the Sudanese National Islamic Front (NIF), under Turabi, organized a coup to overthrow a democratically elected government.
1989: Founding of the Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe (FIOE)
In 1989, the pan-European umbrella organization of the Brotherhood in Europe, the Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe (FIOE), was founded.
1989: Hamas takeover of Gaza Strip
In 2007, Hamas's takeover of the Gaza Strip marked the first time a Muslim Brotherhood group ruled a significant territory since the Sudanese coup of 1989 that brought Omar al-Bashir to power.
1990: Establishment of the American Muslim Council
In 1990, U.S. supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood started the American Muslim Council.
January 1991: Muslim Brotherhood Members in Jordanian Cabinet
In January 1991, several members of the Muslim Brotherhood were included in the Jordanian cabinet, marking a significant political presence for the group.
May 1991: Drafting of 'Explanatory Memorandum'
In May 1991, Mohamed Akram Adlouni penned the 'Explanatory Memorandum on the General Strategic Goal for the Group in North America'. This document, outlining the Muslim Brotherhood's goals in North America, later surfaced during an FBI raid in 2004.
1991: Strategy outlined for Muslim Brotherhood in the United States
In 1991, a document outlined a strategy for the Muslim Brotherhood in the United States involving "eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within".
1991: Muslim Brotherhood forms the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) in Algeria
In 1991, with the introduction of a multi-party system in Algeria, the Muslim Brotherhood formed the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP), previously known as Hamas, led by Mahfoud Nahnah.
1992: Establishment of the Muslim American Society
In 1992, U.S. supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood started the Muslim American Society.
1992: Banning of FIS in Algeria after military coup d'état
In 1992, following a military coup d'état in Algeria, the Front islamique du salut (FIS), which had won the 1991 elections, was banned; the Muslim Brotherhood did not join the FIS.
1994: International agency of the Brotherhood ensures cooperation
As of 1994, according to scholar Olivier Roy, "an international agency" of the Brotherhood "assures the cooperation of the ensemble" of its national organizations. The agency's "composition is not well known, but the Egyptians maintain a dominant position".
1995: Sheikh Nahnah runs for President of Algeria
In 1995, Sheikh Mahfoud Nahnah, representing the Muslim Brotherhood's Movement of Society for Peace (MSP), ran for President of Algeria and finished second with 25.38% of the popular vote.
1999: Qaradawi Persona Non Grata in the U.S.
In 1999, Yusuf al-Qaradawi was declared persona non grata to the U.S. government.
1999: Muslim Brotherhood Disbanded in Qatar
In 1999, the Muslim Brotherhood was disbanded in Qatar.
2001: ISB distances itself from Muslim Brotherhood ideology
Since 2001, the ISB (Islamische Gemeinschaft in Süddeutschland) has distanced itself from Muslim Brotherhood ideology, along with the MCB (Muslim Council of Britain).
2002: Saudi Interior Minister Denounces Brotherhood
In 2002, Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef denounced the Muslim Brotherhood, accusing it of "betrayal of pledges and ingratitude" and of being "the source of all problems in the Islamic world".
2002: Al Menbar becomes largest joint party
In 2002, following parliamentary elections, Al Menbar became the largest joint party with eight seats in the forty-seat Chamber of Deputies.
2002: PAS governs the state of Kelantan
Since 2002, the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) has governed the state of Kelantan.
February 2003: Russia Bans Muslim Brotherhood
In February 2003, the Supreme Court of Russia banned the Muslim Brotherhood, labeling it as a terrorist organization and accusing the group of supporting Islamist rebels.
February 2003: Russian Supreme Court affirms Muslim Brotherhood coordination of terrorist organization
On 14 February 2003, the Supreme Court of Russia affirmed that the Muslim Brotherhood coordinated the creation of The Supreme Military Majlis ul-Shura of the United Forces of Caucasian Mujahedeen, an organization that committed terror attacks in Russia.
2003: Iraqi Islamic Party reemerges
After the fall of the Saddam Hussein government in 2003, the Islamic Party reemerged as one of the main advocates of the country's Sunni community.
2003: Boudjerra Soltani succeeds Mahfoud Nahnah as leader of MSP
In 2003, Boudjerra Soltani succeeded Mahfoud Nahnah as the leader of the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP), the Muslim Brotherhood's political party in Algeria, after Nahnah's death.
2004: U.S. Muslim Brotherhood supporters as the U.S. Islamic community's most organized force
According to a 2004 article by The Washington Post, U.S. Muslim Brotherhood supporters "make up the U.S. Islamic community's most organized force" by running hundreds of mosques and business ventures, promoting civic activities, and setting up American Islamic organizations.
2004: FBI raid uncovers Explanatory Memorandum
In 2004, during an FBI raid of a Virginia home, the 'Explanatory Memorandum on the General Strategic Goal for the Group in North America' was discovered. This document provided insights into the Muslim Brotherhood's strategies in North America.
2005: Brotherhood wins 88 seats in parliamentary elections
In 2005, the Muslim Brotherhood secured 88 seats (20% of the total) in the parliamentary elections in Egypt, despite electoral irregularities and the technical illegality of the organization. This made them "in effect, the first opposition party of Egypt's modern era".
December 2006: Campus demonstration raises concerns about militia structures
In December 2006, a campus demonstration by Muslim Brotherhood students in uniforms, showcasing martial arts drills, sparked fears about the group's intentions to form militia structures and revert to secret cells.
2006: Brotherhood supports Hezbollah's military action
In 2006, the Muslim Brotherhood supported Hezbollah's military action against Israel and does not recognize the State of Israel.
October 2007: Muslim Brotherhood issues political platform
In October 2007, the Muslim Brotherhood released a political platform calling for a board of Muslim clerics to oversee the government and restricting the presidency to Muslim men. The platform also stated that women were unsuited for the role of president due to religious and military duties conflicting with their nature.
2007: Holy Land Foundation Trial Documents
During the Holy Land Foundation trial in 2007, documents pertaining to the Muslim Brotherhood did not convince courts of their involvement in subversive activities.
2007: Criticism from Ayman al-Zawahiri
In 2007, Ayman al-Zawahiri, then the Deputy Emir of al-Qaeda, criticized the Muslim Brotherhood for its refusal to advocate the violent overthrow of the Mubarak government. Essam el-Erian, a top Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood figure, denounced Zawahiri's policy.
2007: Hamas takeover of Gaza Strip
In 2007, Hamas's takeover of the Gaza Strip marked the first time a Muslim Brotherhood group ruled a significant territory since 1989.
2007: Explanatory Memorandum admitted as evidence in Holy Land Foundation trial
In 2007, the 'Explanatory Memorandum' was admitted as an exhibit during the Holy Land Foundation trial, where the group faced charges of money laundering. The document became public after the trial.
2007: Legalization of Tewassoul party in Mauritania
In 2007, the National Rally for Reform and Development, known as Tewassoul, was legalized as a political party. The party is associated with the Mauritanian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood.
2008: Qaradawi Persona Non Grata in the UK
In 2008, Yusuf al-Qaradawi was declared persona non grata to the UK government.
2009: Judge's opinion on Explanatory Memorandum
In 2009, a presiding judge stated that the 'Explanatory Memorandum' was not considered 'supporting evidence' for the alleged money laundering scheme or any other conspiracy.
June 2011: US Reopens Diplomatic Channels with Muslim Brotherhood
In June 2011, as the Brotherhood's political power became more apparent and solidified following the Egyptian revolution of 2011, the United States announced that it would reopen formal diplomatic channels with the group, with whom it had suspended communication as a result of suspected terrorist activity. The Brotherhood's leadership welcomed the diplomatic overture.
2011: Egyptian Revolution and Muslim Brotherhood Influence
According to anthropologist Scott Atran, in 2011, the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood even in Egypt has been overstated by Western commentators. He estimates that it can count on only 100,000 militants (out of some 600,000 dues paying members) in a population of more than 80 million.
2011: NYT editorial claims Brotherhood branded as terrorists
An editorial in The New York Times claimed that in 2011, leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood, which became the leading political movement in the wake of Egypt's popular uprising, are unfairly branded as terrorists and are languishing in prison. The editorial further argued that Egypt's authoritarianism might lead its citizens to believe violence is the only tool for fighting back.
2011: Brotherhood legalized after Egyptian revolution
Following the 2011 Egyptian revolution and the fall of Hosni Mubarak, the Muslim Brotherhood was legalized and experienced initial success.
2011: Emergency Law Revoked
In 2011, Emergency Law 49, under which membership in the Syrian Brotherhood was a capital offense, was revoked.
2011: Legalization of Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood
In 2011, The Arab Spring brought the legalization of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood which allowed the party to participate in elections.
November 2012: Morsi grants himself legislative power
In late November 2012, President Mohamed Morsi temporarily granted himself the power to legislate without judicial oversight, citing the need to protect the nation. He also put a draft constitution to a referendum which opponents described as an Islamist coup. These actions led to mass protests.
2012: Brotherhood Resurrects Itself
By 2012 during the Syrian Civil War, the Muslim Brotherhood is said to have "resurrected itself" and become the "dominant group" in the opposition according to the Washington Post newspaper.
2012: PAS President speaks at event with Muslim Brotherhood scholar
In 2012, PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang spoke alongside Muslim Brotherhood scholar Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi at a speaking event in London.
2012: Qaradawi Persona Non Grata in France
In 2012, Yusuf al-Qaradawi was declared persona non grata to the French government.
2012: Brotherhood wins presidential election
In 2012, the Muslim Brotherhood won the presidential election in Egypt; however, a year later, President Mohamed Morsi was overthrown, leading to a renewed crackdown on the Brotherhood.
2012: Mohamed Morsi's Presidential Election Victory
In 2012, the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate, Mohamed Morsi, won the presidential election in Egypt and became the first president to gain power through an election.
2012: Decline in popular support for the Libyan Muslim Brotherhood
Since 2012, the Libyan Muslim Brotherhood has experienced a decline in popular support, with the group being blamed for divisions in the country.
March 2013: Trial begins in Abu Dhabi for individuals linked to Al Islah
In March 2013, a trial began in Abu Dhabi for 94 individuals linked to Al Islah for an attempted coup on the government. 56 suspects received prison sentences ranging between three and ten years, eight were sentenced in absentia to 15 years, and 26 were acquitted.
April 2013: Egypt becomes increasingly divided
In April 2013, Egypt was described as increasingly divided between President Mohamed Morsi and his Islamist allies, and an opposition of moderate Muslims, Christians, and liberals. The country faced severe fuel shortages and electricity outages, adding to the unrest.
July 2013: Turkish AKP supports Muslim Brotherhood
In July 2013, the Turkish AKP, the ruling party of Turkey, publicly supported the Muslim Brotherhood during and after the overthrow of Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Turkey would stand by whoever was elected legitimately.
July 2013: Mohamed Morsi removed from office
On July 3, 2013, Mohamed Morsi was removed from office and placed under house arrest by the military, following mass protests demanding his resignation.
August 2013: Interim government declares state of emergency after Rabaa sit-in dispersal
In August 2013, the interim government in Egypt declared a month-long state of emergency and violently cleared the pro-Morsi sit-in during the Rabaa sit-in dispersal. This led to significant violence and casualties. Subsequently, Brotherhood supporters looted and burned police stations and churches.
December 2013: Muslim Brotherhood declared a terrorist organization
On December 21, 2013, the Muslim Brotherhood was declared a terrorist organization by the Egyptian government after a car bomb attack on a police building in Mansoura, despite a Sinai-based terror group claiming responsibility.
2013: Movement in Disarray
As of late 2013, the Muslim Brotherhood movement in Jordan was described as being in "disarray."
2013: Decline of Influence
By 2013 another source described the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood as having "virtually no influence on the conflict".
2013: Severe Reversals and Banning in Egypt
In 2013, Mohamed Morsi was overthrown by the military after mass demonstrations. The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood was then banned in Egypt and declared a terrorist organization. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates followed suit, seeing the Brotherhood as a threat to their rule.
2013: Early General Elections in Jordan
In 2013, early general elections were called in Jordan as a result of the 2011-12 Jordanian protests, which were partly led by the Muslim Brotherhood and demanded a constitutional monarchy and electoral reforms.
2013: Muslim Brotherhood opens office in Western Sydney
In 2013, following the election and subsequent overthrow of Egyptian President Mursi, members of Sydney's Egyptian community reported that the Muslim Brotherhood had opened an office in Western Sydney.
2013: Arrests of Brotherhood members following uprising
Since the 2013 uprising in Egypt, approximately 16,000 to over 40,000 people, primarily Brotherhood members or supporters, have been arrested by the police.
March 2014: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain withdraw ambassadors from Qatar
In March 2014 Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain withdrew their ambassadors from Qatar because Qatar had violated the Gulf Cooperation Council rule against interference in the internal affairs of other members.
March 2014: Mass death sentences for Brotherhood members
In March 2014, an Egyptian court sentenced 529 members of the Muslim Brotherhood to death following an attack on a police station. Amnesty International described it as the largest single batch of simultaneous death sentences in recent years.
March 2014: Saudi Arabia Declares Brotherhood a Terrorist Organization
In March 2014, in a "significant departure from its past official stance," the Saudi government declared the Muslim Brotherhood a "terrorist organization".
March 2014: Muslim Brotherhood designated as a terrorist group by UAE
In March 2014, the Muslim Brotherhood was designated as a terrorist group by the UAE government.
March 2014: Aga Khan IV praises the Muslim Brotherhood
In an interview published on 1 March 2014, the Aga Khan IV spoke well of the Muslim Brotherhood – praising the way they "act in civil society".
April 2014: PAS leader speaks out against designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization
In April 2014, Abdul Hadi Awang, the leader of the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), spoke out against Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates' decision to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization.
April 2014: David Cameron launches investigation into Muslim Brotherhood's activities in the UK
In April 2014, David Cameron, then the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, launched an investigation into the Muslim Brotherhood's activities in the UK and its alleged extremist activities.
May 2014: Thousands arrested in crackdown
By May 2014, an estimated 16,000 to over 40,000 people, mostly Brotherhood members and supporters, had been arrested by police since the 2013 uprising.
September 2014: Brotherhood Leaders Expelled from Qatar
In September 2014, Brotherhood leaders were expelled from Qatar. The New York Times reported that the Saudis and other gulf monarchies fear the group because of its broad organization, its mainstream appeal and its calls for elections.
2014: Qatar never lived up to the 2014 agreement
From Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE's standpoint, Qatar never lived up to the 2014 agreement and continued to serve as the nexus of the Brotherhood's regional networks.
2014: New Legislation for Political Parties
In 2014, a new legislation for the regulation of political parties was passed by the Jordanian senate.
2014: Muslim Brotherhood wins only 25 seats in Libyan parliamentary elections
In the 2014 parliamentary elections, the Muslim Brotherhood in Libya secured only 25 of the 200 available seats, indicating a decline in their political influence.
February 2015: Another mass death sentence for Brotherhood members
In February 2015, an Egyptian court sentenced another 183 members of the Muslim Brotherhood to death.
May 2015: Justice and Development Party holds office of Prime Minister in Morocco
As of May 2015, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) in Morocco held the office of Prime Minister, maintaining its position as a significant political force despite its historical affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood.
May 2015: Mohamed Morsi sentenced to death
On May 16, 2015, Mohamed Morsi was sentenced to death, along with 120 others.
2015: Designation as Terrorist Organization
As of 2015, the Muslim Brotherhood is considered a terrorist organization by the governments of Bahrain, Egypt, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
2015: UK government report finds no link between Muslim Brotherhood and terrorist activity
In 2015, a UK government report found that the Muslim Brotherhood had not been linked to terrorist-related activity in the UK, and the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB) has condemned Al-Qaeda terrorist activity.
2015: Defection of Members to Establish a New Islamic Group
In 2015, approximately 400 members of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan, including top leaders and founding members, defected to establish a new Islamic group with a supposedly moderate stance.
2015: U.S. Congress accuses Libyan Muslim Brotherhood of joining forces with terrorist organizations
In 2015, the U.S. Congress Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act accused the militias of the Libyan Muslim Brotherhood of joining forces with United States designated terrorist organizations, particularly Ansar al-Sharia.
2015: Defeat of the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2015
In 2015, the U.S. Congress defeated attempts to pass the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2015, a bill introduced by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. The bill aimed to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization.
January 2016: Jordanian Branch Cuts Ties
In January 2016, the Jordanian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood cut ties with the Egyptian group.
February 2016: House Judiciary Committee Approves Legislation
In February 2016, the House Judiciary Committee approved legislation in a 17 to 10 vote that, if enacted, could increase grounds for enforcing criminal penalties and allow the Secretary of Treasury to block financial transactions and freeze assets of those who showed material support for the group.
April 2016: Closure of Muslim Brotherhood Headquarters in Amman
On April 13, 2016, Jordanian police raided and shut down the Muslim Brotherhood headquarters in Amman, citing that the Brotherhood is unlicensed and using the name of the defectors' licensed group.
2016: Allegation of Muslim Brotherhood cell in Christchurch
In 2016, Papanui ward candidate John Stringer alleged that a Muslim Brotherhood cell was active in northwestern Christchurch, New Zealand.
January 2017: CIA warns against designating the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization
In January 2017, a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) intelligence report warned that designation of the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization "may fuel extremism" and harm relations with U.S. allies. The report noted that the Brotherhood had "rejected violence as a matter of official policy and opposed al-Qa'ida and ISIS".
January 2017: Rex Tillerson refers to the Muslim Brotherhood as an agent of radical Islam
In January 2017, during his confirmation hearing, the former U.S. Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, referred to the Muslim Brotherhood, along with Al-Qaeda, as an agent of radical Islam. This characterization was criticized by Human Rights Watch.
February 2017: Trump Administration Considers Designating Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Organization
In February 2017, The New York Times reported that the first administration of U.S. President Donald Trump was considering an order designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization.
October 2017: Libyan National Army claims Muslim Brotherhood is affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS
In October 2017, the spokesman of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Colonel Ahmed Al Masmary, claimed that "branches of the Muslim Brotherhood affiliated to al-Qaeda" had joined forces with ISIS in Libya.
2017: Qatar Diplomatic Crisis Precipitated by Conflict Over Muslim Brotherhood
The 2017 Qatar diplomatic crisis, which is viewed as being precipitated in large part by a conflict over the Muslim Brotherhood.
2018: Pakatan Harapan (PH)'s win in Malaysian election changes political situation
Due to changes in political situation created by Pakatan Harapan (PH)'s win in 2018 election, PAS has made a cooperation pact with UMNO in 2019.
April 2019: Dissolution of the NCP in Sudan
The National Congress Party (NCP) was dissolved in April 2019 following a military takeover.
2019: PAS makes a cooperation pact with UMNO
In 2019, PAS made a cooperation pact with UMNO.
2020: Presence of Brotherhood-associated mosques and schools in France
By 2020, there were 147 mosques and 18 Islamic schools associated with the brotherhood in France. The UOIF has about 50 000 members distributed among 200 member organizations.
2020: PAS takes over the government during Malaysian political crisis
During the 2020-21 Malaysian political crisis, PAS, along with BERSATU, took over the government.
2020: The FIOE changes its name to Council of European Muslims
In 2020, the Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe (FIOE) changed its name to Council of European Muslims.
2020: Court Ruling to Dissolve the Local Branch
In 2020, the Jordanian Court of Cassation ruled that the local branch of the Muslim Brotherhood would be dissolved because the branch did not renew its license following the issuance of a new law on organizations.
December 2024: Fall of the Ba'ath Regime
In December 2024, a major turning point for the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria came when the Ba'ath regime fell, and the President fled the country, with the succeeding government and president being directly linked to the Brotherhood.
April 2025: Ban of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan
On April 23, 2025, Jordan's Interior Minister Mazin Al Farrayeh announced the immediate ban of the Muslim Brotherhood and the seizure of its assets and offices, following the uncovering of a sabotage plot linked to members of the group.
September 2025: Kenya designates the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization
In September 2025, Kenya designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization.
November 2025: Presentation of Report on Muslim Brotherhood's Influence
In November 2025, a new report was presented in Washington to members of Congress, diplomats, policy experts, and scholars. The report, based on internal documents and network studies, alleged that the Muslim Brotherhood is operating under a 100-year plan to spread its influence inside Western institutions and that Qatar is a main supporter.
November 2025: Second Trump administration designates branches of Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations
On 24 November 2025, the second Trump administration started the process of designating branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations. These included the Jordanian branch, the Islamic Group in Lebanon, and the Egyptian branch.
Mentioned in this timeline
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