Muhammad Qutb: Comprehensive Definition and Meaning§
Definition§
Muhammad Qutb (1915 – 2014) was a pivotal Egyptian intellectual, writer, and educator who played a significant role in the Islamic revivalist movement of the 20th century. As the brother of the renowned Islamic theorist Sayyid Qutb, Muhammad’s works, particularly “Jahiliyyah of the Twentieth Century” and “Our Contemporary Reality,” underscore the imperative of returning to fundamental Islamic principles in the modern age. He also served as a professor of Islamic studies at Umm al-Qura University in Mecca.
Etymology and Background§
- Etymology: The name “Qutb” (قطب) is derived from Arabic, meaning “axis” or “pivot,” indicating a central or significant figure in a domain.
- Life and Career: Born in 1915 in Egypt, Muhammad Qutb’s intellectual journey was deeply influenced by the socio-political upheavals of his time, particularly the nationalist movements and the rise of political Islam.
- Education and Influence: He studied English literature, bringing a unique interdisciplinary approach to his Islamic studies. His tenure at Umm al-Qura University in Mecca allowed him to shape a generation of scholars and ideologues.
Historical Context§
- 1952 Egyptian Revolution: The Qutb brothers were significantly affected by the political dynamics of Egypt, particularly the overthrow of the monarchy.
- Imprisonment and Influence: Post the execution of his brother Sayyid Qutb by the Egyptian government in 1966, Muhammad Qutb became an integral figure in the Sunni Islamist thought, disseminating Sayyid’s theories and expanding on them.
- Saudi Asylum: He shifted to Saudi Arabia post-imprisonment, leveraging his position to influence conservative Islamic circles primarily through his teachings at universities.
Cultural Impact§
- Middle-East: Muhammad Qutb’s literature is revered among conservative Muslim communities, emphasizing the need for fundamental Islamic values.
- Western Perception: In contrast, Western scholars often view his works through a lens of Islamic fundamentalism and philosophical rigor.
Synonyms and Antonyms§
- Synonyms: Islamic intellectual, Islamist educator, conservative scholar
- Antonyms: Secular modernist, liberal theologian, Islamic reformist
Related Terms and Definitions§
- Sayyid Qutb: His elder brother, whose works on Islamism became a cornerstone for various Islamist movements.
- Jahiliyyah: A term meaning ignorance or barbarism, used by the Qutb brothers to describe pre-Islamic Arabia and any society deviating from Islamic principles.
- Islamic Revivalism: A movement dedicated to reinstating Islamic traditions and sharia law.
Exciting Facts§
- Pedagogical Influence: Muhammad Qutb’s teachings shaped the ideological underpinnings of several Egyptian and Saudi scholars.
- Literary Contribution: His interdisciplinary approach combined Western literary criticism with traditional Islamic jurisprudence.
Notable Quotations§
- “The return to Islam is not a return to the past but a revival of our true faith to solve modern-day deviations and crises.” - Muhammad Qutb
References§
- Qutb, M. (1977). Jahiliyyah of the Twentieth Century. Cairo, Egypt: Dar al-Shuruq.
- Kepel, G. (1984). Muslim Extremism in Egypt: The Prophet and Pharaoh. University of California Press.
Suggested Literature and Other Sources§
- Kepel, G. “Muslim Extremism in Egypt: The Prophet and Pharaoh.”
- Toth, J. “Sayyid Qutb: The Life and Legacy of a Radical Islamic Intellectual.”
- Roxburgh, M. “Contemporary Islamic Political Thought: The Contributions of Muhammad Qutb.”
Author’s Note:
As we conclude our exploration of Muhammad Qutb’s life and legacy, may we find inspiration to seek knowledge and embody the principles of critical thought and spiritual awakening he so passionately advocated.
- Faten Al-Rashid, October 2023
