Muhammad Qutb, Egyptian author and academic (b. 1919)

Muhammad Qutb (Arabic: محمد قطب), an influential Muslim author, scholar, and teacher, was born in 1919 and passed away on April 4, 2014. While a significant intellectual figure in his own right, he is perhaps most widely recognized as the younger brother of the renowned Egyptian Muslim thinker, Sayyid Qutb. Their intertwined lives and intellectual legacies profoundly shaped aspects of modern Islamic thought.

Hailing from Egypt, Muhammad Qutb’s early life and intellectual development occurred during a period of intense political and social change in the Arab world. While his elder brother, Sayyid, rose to prominence as a leading ideologue within the Muslim Brotherhood, articulating a comprehensive critique of Western-influenced modernity and advocating for a return to Islamic principles, Muhammad forged his own path as a prolific writer and educator. His works often echoed his brother's themes, delving into critiques of contemporary society and emphasizing the importance of an Islamic worldview in all aspects of life.

A Turning Point: Exile and Influence in Saudi Arabia

A pivotal moment in Muhammad Qutb's life and career came after the tragic execution of his brother, Sayyid Qutb, by the Egyptian government in 1966. Sayyid's execution, a culmination of the Nasser regime's crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood and other perceived political opponents, sent shockwaves through the Islamic world. In the wake of this profound loss and escalating political repression in Egypt, Muhammad Qutb sought refuge and a new intellectual home in Saudi Arabia. This move marked a significant shift, not just personally, but also in the trajectory of his work and influence.

Upon settling in Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Qutb quickly established himself as a respected scholar and academic. He taught at prominent institutions, including Umm al-Qura University in Mecca and King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, where he mentored generations of students. It was in Saudi Arabia that he dedicated himself to the crucial task of preserving, clarifying, and disseminating his brother's extensive intellectual legacy. He meticulously edited and published Sayyid's writings, ensuring that the ideas that cost his brother his life would continue to resonate and inform Islamic discourse. Beyond merely promoting his brother's works, Muhammad also authored numerous books and articles that expanded upon Sayyid's thought, offering his own interpretations and applications of these principles to contemporary challenges.

His contributions covered a wide array of subjects, from Islamic studies and philosophy to social critique. Through his writings and teachings, Muhammad Qutb played an instrumental role in shaping the intellectual landscape for many who sought a deeper understanding of Islam's role in the modern world, particularly within the context of Salafi and Islamist movements. His ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and conviction ensured that his voice, alongside that of his brother, remained a significant one in 20th and early 21st-century Islamic thought.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Sayyid Qutb and what was his significance?
Sayyid Qutb was Muhammad Qutb's elder brother and a highly influential Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood leader and ideologue. He is best known for his revolutionary Islamic thought, particularly as expressed in works like Ma'alim fi al-Tariq (Milestones) and his extensive commentary on the Quran, Fi Zilal al-Quran (In the Shade of the Qur'an). His writings critiqued Western materialism and advocated for an Islamic social and political order, profoundly influencing various Islamist movements globally.
Why was Sayyid Qutb executed by the Egyptian government?
Sayyid Qutb was executed by hanging in 1966 by the regime of Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. He was convicted of conspiring to overthrow the government, a charge that came amidst a severe crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood and other opposition groups. His execution cemented his status as a martyr for many and intensified the resolve of his followers.
What were some of Muhammad Qutb's key contributions?
Muhammad Qutb was a prolific author, scholar, and teacher. His main contributions include clarifying and promoting his brother Sayyid Qutb's ideas, editing and publishing Sayyid's works, and authoring his own influential books. Works like Jahiliyyat al-Qarn al-Ishrin (Ignorance of the Twentieth Century) extended his brother's critiques of modern society from an Islamic perspective. He taught at major universities in Saudi Arabia, shaping generations of students.
How did Muhammad Qutb promote his brother's ideas in Saudi Arabia?
After moving to Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Qutb took on the role of guardian and propagator of his brother's intellectual legacy. He taught Sayyid's works in universities, wrote commentaries that explained and defended his brother's positions, and ensured the continued publication and distribution of Sayyid's books. His personal advocacy was crucial in keeping Sayyid's ideas alive and influential.
Did Muhammad Qutb have his own distinct ideas?
Yes, while deeply influenced by his brother, Muhammad Qutb developed and articulated his own distinct perspectives. His writings often paralleled Sayyid's in their foundational critique of secularism and Westernization, but he also offered unique insights into various Islamic subjects, including spirituality, history, and social issues. He sought to apply Islamic principles to contemporary challenges, building upon but not merely replicating his brother's framework.