Lessons for Muslim Brotherhood

The Muslim Brotherhood, the region’s oldest and most influential Islamic movement, had a historic moment in entering into the democratic process after a long history of repression. The ongoing crackdown against the Muslim Brotherhood, just like in the old days, obviously will have its repercussions both in the streets of Egypt as well as in other Islamic countries. I think people of reason acknowledge the fact that if the discrimination continues, it will only increase the anger of people in the streets, causing them to lose their hope of being represented in the democratic system and it will only arouse more anti-Western feelings, more hatred for Israel, and more violence. The various politically motivated Islamic groups would take the message that there is no other way but radicalism; therefore, no one will benefit from this sidelining of the Muslim Brotherhood, and since the military junta will, in all likelihood, not be able to bring solutions to the Egyptian's real problems, the poverty and disorder will continue to increase. Although the criticism that a proper understanding of democratic norms is not dominant among the Muslim Brotherhood is true, there was still an attempt to make peace with democracy. Thus to avoid some of the undesirable profound consequences for the future, I urge the Freedom and Justice Party to stay involved in the political process and that the interim Egyptian government sees to it that all of their democratic rights—including winning—are ensured. However the Muslim Brotherhood, and its political branch, the Freedom and Justice Party, have many lessons to learn and they indeed have to change themselves a lot. The failure of President Morsi was to neglect very crucial values that have been ignored by almost the whole Muslim world as well. What we have seen in general was a dead, corrupt, bigoted system being espoused and imposed. However their new goal should be to emphasize the importance of modern, extroverted, loving people and embracing a style that advocates art and science. People are invariably happier with cleanliness, with art, with green spaces, and they seek out music, sculpture, painting, aesthetic architecture and beauty. Now that this unwanted scenario has happened, the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood should be pioneers for a reform towards a modern understanding of Islam and take a stance against bigotry. They should embrace Jews and Christians in front of cameras; in their speeches they should embrace all people from all walks of life including communists, atheists, etc. They should express the beauties of freedoms, and provide a comfortable atmosphere even for the most vocal critics. Another crucial emphasis should be for the rights and freedoms of women. They should show their love and respect for women, and bring them to the front, regardless of their style of dress. They should embrace a secular model—as in Turkey—accepting all as equal and first class citizens, and providing religious freedom for all. The Muslim Brotherhood being in close coordination with Turkey would be an advantageous way for them to make fast progress. Finally, the Muslim Brotherhood should embrace a policy that will comfort the Israelis and the ones who hold it dear to themselves and they should scrupulously avoid things that could raise tensions. They have to end the anti-Jewish rhetoric and show their compassion for Jews and Christians, as a requirement of their belief as well. In point of simple fact, they should not be enemies with anyone, not even with their opponents: This is essential to silence the guns, and to end the division even if it is a one-sided effort. From now on they should focus on solutions. I am aware that this is far from what the Muslim Brotherhood stands for at the moment, but there could be significant developments through intense educational programs via television and social programs designed to change the fanatical mindset in its administration and social structure, and replace it with a far more inclusive approach. Sinem Tezyapar is a political analyst. https://twitter.com/SinemTezyapar The views expressed by the author do not necessarily represent or reflect the editorial policy of Arabstoday.