The Might of Simplicity

Category: Featured, World Affairs Topics: Hassan Al-Banna, Muslim Brotherhood Views: 11665
11665

Hasan al-Banna
 1906-1949

He wasn't a wealthy man or a carrier politician. He was neither the son of a prominent family nor the friend of an influential leader. His friends admired him, his foes respected him. His message appealed to the rich and the poor, the male and the female, the old and the youth, the intellectual and the illiterate, the urban resident and the rural peasant. He despised oppression and dedicated his entire life struggling against it. At the time of his tragic death, many people, including his Christian friends, defied government orders not to participate in his funeral and risked their lives for paying respect to his grieving family.

His name was Hasan al-Banna, the Imam, the leader, and the reformer whose legacy not only influenced Muslims in Egypt but also inspired the oppressed, the reformers and the grassroots activists around the world until the present times.

In 1938, at the age of 32, Hasan al-Banna synthesized his concepts of grassroots activism in several concise points. More than 50 years after his martyrdom in 1949 and with all of the socio-economic, political and cultural developments that our world has witnessed, his words couldn't be more relevant today than they were half a century ago.

Following is the clear and simple advice he gave to Muslims:

  1. Be engaged in Dawah (promote the message of our Most Merciful Creator) efforts following the authentic sources of Islam as prescribed in the Quran and Prophet Muhammad's tradition and as understood by the early righteous followers of Islam.

  2. Abide by the words, actions, and instructions of the Messenger of Allah in all spheres of life, especially in matters of creed and worship.

  3. Recognize the importance of purifying the heart and becoming close to the creator through Dhikr, repentance, love for Allah, and supererogatory acts.

  4. Be organized politically, demanding the reformation of Muslim governments and seeking to re-establish a just and equitable Islamic political order.

  5. Establish athletic associations, understanding that the development of fitness in preparation for worship is an essential part of the training for the individual.

  6. Promote culture and learning, encouraging Muslims to acquire knowledge of Islam and other subjects and culturing their bodies, intellect and heart.

  7. Strengthen their economic status through lawful means.

  8. Develop a welfare system, attending to the problems of the society, discovering their cures and keeping their nations healthy.

  9. Avoid disagreements in matters of jurisprudence.

  10. Remain free from the control of the rich and influential.

  11. Have no alliance with political parties and organizations.

  12. Apply a gradual approach in confronting challenges, favoring practical and constructive aspects of the work rather than seeking publicity and propaganda.

  13. Pay attention to the youth and reach out to people in the cities and villages.

  14. Create a balance between 'intellect and emotion' and between 'reality and imagination'.

  15. Refrain from insulting other groups and personalities.


  Category: Featured, World Affairs
  Topics: Hassan Al-Banna, Muslim Brotherhood
Views: 11665

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Older Comments:
BILAL MUHAMMAD FROM USA said:
We need more of these wise words to guide and keep us all on the straight path. Fi maan Allah.

2003-08-16

NOON FROM USA said:
Excellent, Thank All of U.
2003-08-04

SYED MOHIDDIN FROM INDIA said:
This and other messages from scholars like Syed Abu-ala-moudoodi we should spread throughout the wold for correct concept of Isla.
r
2003-07-27

KASSIM SALEHE FROM TANZANIA said:
may Allah rewad you for the brilliant message fro Albanna
2003-07-21

DEBORAH L DORTHICK FROM U.S. said:
After reading the advice of Hasan al-Banna and beleiving that he lived by it brings to my soul affection and love for such a blessing from GOD. It gives me comfort and hope that there was and maybe are now men in whom GOD is greatly pleased and has greatly blessed. Hasan al-Banna is now no longer born into sin but with GOD in paradise eternal. I am very thankful for this website. How I wish all beleived. But GOD's word has taught me that that shall not be. GOD protect all who are. Forgive my wording if it offends anyone. The U.S. is not pro-Islam and I am just a beginner in learning more of GOD's truth from the Noble Qur'an.
2003-07-17

ABDUSSEMIU FROM NIGERIA said:
assalam alaykum
thank for the good work you are doing jazakallahu khaeran
i just wish you could let me have the detailed life history of the imam
2003-07-14

LIBAN FROM SOMALIA said:
To change a world controlled by politics, one must change the politics for Allah's sake. To stand out and say "politics is wrong," Simply makes you a big target for scapegoat effects. Politicians will blame you for their evils and keep the gullible people on their side. Activism must involve strategy, not just running in the streets and screaming "Allahu Akbar." When you do that, all you do is belittle the phrase, "Allahu Akbar." You turn an article of Dhikrullah into a political buzzword.

God help us.
Macasalama
2003-07-13

FMQURESHI FROM INDIA said:
this the real thinching of Islam. Thanks for reminding me
2003-07-13

KHALIFE KHALUUQ FROM USA said:
I have listened this in audio form. I am impresessd how this near human sound speech is technically possible. I encourage IslamiCity to provide more audio forms for all the articles for those Brothers and sisters who have sight-impairment.

2003-07-12

SHAHKAR FROM CANADA said:
Hasan al Banna is one of my favourite Muslim scholar, he sacreficed his life for glory of Islam.This one page article has given me too much inspiration.Congratulation to all of you.
2003-07-11

MAHMUD FROM BANGLADESH said:
I was very glad to read it.
2003-07-11

MASUM FROM BANGLADESH said:
Hasan-al-Banna was a gret leader of islamy movement.
2003-07-11

YAHYA BERGUM FROM USA said:
Jazak Allah Khair to Islamicity for authoring this article. Would you please tell me how we might organize politically and still have no alliance with political organizations? Would the correct formula perhaps be to organize politically in such a way as to be seeking - for ourselves - to be in submission to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala)?

May every one of us enjoy the peace and blessings of arRahman, arRaheem. May each of us be grateful to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) for what we do and don't receive. May my reward be the glorification of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) - wAllahu A'lam. As Salaamu Alaikum.
2003-07-11

FAIZZAN AHMAD FROM USA said:
Hasan al-Banna!!! An incredible man. he endured so much in such little time. It is stories like that of Hassan Al-Banna that we gain hope and are encouraged to carry out our respsonsibilities as not only individuals but also mutual helpers and preechers. Hassan Al-Banna spoke with eloquence with a stern cogent fashion. Not only was he coherent but cohesive. Always getting a feeling of didactice terse which prevails good from his assertions. His emphasize on Islamic unity and character is beyond scopes. His Fluid speech being lucid and implying all the right things, makes him someone who has a rhetoric voice of such great stature. His incontrovertible tone has pushed not only muslims but non-muslims alike in there quest for islamic knowledge at its most fullest integrity.Thank you islamicity for doing what we need most right now. We need people like you to put the voice of islam to the general public. And inshallah you all at Islamicity will insure the quality and efficacy of this wonderful website. Thank You once again
2003-07-10

NAZEM KAMEL ELMASRI FROM LEBANESE AMERICAN (CURRENT USA RESIDENT) said:
When I looked at this gentleman's picture(Hasan Elbanna) I could have sworn he was one of my schoolmates in the secondary school for boys and girls in Zahle Bekaa Lebanon.
I just read the points of this gentleman's struggle in 1940s Egypt trying to promote activism and social justice in the face of the decadent monarchy of King Farouk.
Hasan Elbanna paid for his commitment with his life, and he is guiding us to a better understading of Islam in death as well as he did in life.
May God Bless his soul.
2003-07-10

BELAYET HOSSAIN FROM AUSTRALIA said:
Assalam -- to our rule model muslim brothers/sisters in the great Islamicity website.

I heard about Hasan-al-Banna and had an opportunity to read some part of a book about him when I was too young to understand the inner spirit of the whole thing, that was about 30 yrs.back.
Thanks to your website thorough which now I got a chance to find graphic picture of that very great pioneer of Islam. I pray to Allah for the salvation of that SAHID SOUL.
All of we should follow such pioneer in our lives. May Allah help us in such an adverse time.
Thanks again to the web site.
(Please don't allow my email address to be abused by else.)
2003-07-10

WATU IBRAHIM FROM PHILIPPINES said:
Very, very good you know I and Muslims of Mindanao admired Hassan Al-Banna rahimahullah and we hope and pray that may Allah bless his soul.

Wassalam.

Watu
2003-07-10

NATASHA FROM USA said:
Salaam to all,

wow, Masha Allah, this man had some very good advice. I hope the Ummah benefits from it someday, I'm absolutely sure I am going to use it
2003-07-09

MAHMOUD K FROM USA said:
Jazakum Allahu Khiaran....I enjoyed the artile about Imam Hasan Albanna...I am not too interested in the politics but it was very interesting in spite of the its length(too short). I do hope however, you continue enlighting us with these articles about our past leaders, scholars and imams. I hope your next one will be about Imam Saied Qutob...Please...
salam Alykum

mahmoud (Bilall)
2003-07-09

JAMA KARIE FROM SOMALIA said:
Asalaam alaykum
Thank's for sending these information about Hassan Al-banaa.
I hope to know it..
Thank's again, and best regards
2003-07-09

DELWAR MIAN FROM USA said:
All glory be to Allah, and peace be on His Messenger.
Thanks for publishing these quotes from Hasan al Banna, may Allah be merciful on him, forgive him, and grant him jannatul Firdous.
This is a timely reminder to all of us in this critical phase of history, and we need more leaders like Hasan al-Bannah, a leader with wisdom, knowledge, and courage, and righteous. May Allah prepare all of us like him. Amin.
2003-07-08

AFMA MUQSITH FROM INDIA said:
Assalaam Alaikum.

The suggestions too vague and general to be put into practice by individuals like me. There are thousands and thousands of simple minded Muslims accross the country (perhaps world) who wish to correct the wrong image of Islam. Unfortunately without organisation and direction from suitable leadership of national or international stature, nothing substantial is taking place. It is indeed a pathetic situation. We have so many internal differences be it political, social, religious, that sharing a common platform for a simple public function has become impossible.

A close study of the message of the holy Qur'an and the life of the holy Prophet (SAWS) reveals that we are doing exactly what the Ahlul Kitab did as so clearly and bluntly recorded in the holy Qur'an. The irony of the matter lies in the fact that our speakers (Jumu'a)leave no stone unturned to malign them using the same ayaats which are there as a sample NOT TO BE FOLLOWED. This is suppressed and the Jews and Christians and all others are condemned and branded as the ememies of Islam! There can be no better example of self deception.

May Allah (SWT) grant us the wisdome to unite and bless us with a leader to facilitate it.

Your Website is doing a wonderful job. Keept it up. I have only one suggestion. Kindly shift the focus from non-Muslims to Muslims themeselves. If any thing is cuasing more damage to the fair name of Islam, it is the behaviour and attitude of the common Muslim on the street who somehow has become hypocracy personified. Speaking against others and critisizing them day and night, he has lost sight of his own shortcomings. This needs to be correctedsd.

We must thank allah (SWT) for granting us the complete freedom, where ever we are, to practice Islam, which means adhering to the basic tenets and behaving in a manner befitting the greatest religions of all times. Our attitude and character should speek not the firey speaches or verbose writings.
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2003-07-08

DAHLAN ABON FROM MALAYSIA said:
ITEMS 4 AND 11 ARE CONTRADICTORY!

I.4 ENCOURAGES POSITIVE POLITICAL ACTION.

I.11 DISCOURAGES POLITICAL ASSOCIATIONS/ AFFILIATION.

PLEASE EXPLAIN.

THANK YOU.
2003-07-08

MUNIR AMJEED FROM US said:
SubhanAllah, I never knew that Imam al-Banna preached such a wonderful, simplistic, and traditional message. With the background I had about Imam Hassan from the college history books, naoozeBillah, I can now honestly say how distorted a message I got from such filthy texts and now I'm grateful to Islamicity for presenting his true, selfless message. MashaAllah you made my day and esp. pointer number 3.

W'salaam
2003-07-08

FARIDASOHRAB FROM INDIA said:
Respected.Editor Islamic.com.
Aasalamu- alikum
Thank u very much for sending me weekly bulletin.May God bless u.for every good thing u r doing for the humanity.May God bless all with good moral character.thanks once more.
with regards
faridasohrab
2003-07-07

MAHARDHIKA H.K. FROM INDONESIA said:
I hope we are all inspired by his leadership and always remember that we are one and we are brothers FOREVER!!!!!
2003-07-07

SAINABOU JALLOW FROM GHANA said:
Assaluma-alaikum
i would love to a member of islamicity but am not in the US thus i don't have a credit card and i can't send a check.so how can we in this part of the world be members of islamicity?

i think if you want to invite people to islam please try to make such sites free for peolpe like me and millions of other people.

Wasalam
2003-07-07

MOHAMEDIQBALAHMED FROM INDIA said:
may allaha give all the mercies to everyone
show the light of right path
show the sun glowing,
blooming into the history of future
the unknown,
to the known
2003-07-07

ABU-BAKR OKOYA FROM NIGERIA said:
THIS IS OVERWHELMING. I PRAYED TO ALMIGHTY ALLAH TO BLESS WHOEVER DID THIS GREAT RESEARCH. I ALSO PRAY ALL MUSLIM THAT ARE READING THIS ARTICLE WILL SPREAD AND/OR FORWARD IT TO OTHERS.
HOWEVER, WITH THE RAPID CHANGES IN THE POLITICAL TERRAIN ALL OVER THE WORLD, ARE YOU STILL SAYING MUSLIMS SHOULD NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE GOVERNANCE OF THE COUNTRY WHERE THEY LIVE! THIS IS INDEED INTRIGUING.
MA SALAAM.
2003-07-07

MOHAMMAD NADER FROM JEDDAH said:
Hassan Al-Banna, an example of a modern Muslim
Looking at the picture of Imam Hassan Al-Banna, it is clear to me that I am looking at a modern man, my own contemporary.
Look at his Tarbouche, his suit and his neck-tie. Look at his beard, the modern attire and modern fashionable beard of his day. He is wearing the most fashionable in his day. He is teaching us.
He does not see in Islam the necessity of wearing the clothes or growing the beard of old times. It is comfort taste and fashion and the spirit of the time that lightens his way.
This great man is telling us to live with the time. In the twenty-first century, you live in the twenty-first century not in seventh or eigth.
As with the clothes on your body, so should we be with the thoughts in our mind. Science is part and parcel of religion. Science is the sea and religion is its minaret. Build your body and mind Hassan Al-Banna says. Learn how to worship God and how to deal with man, he says, as religion preaches.
With my own ears, not teltale, I hear him say: No more Jizyah for our citizen of another religion and gave the reasons. He gave the reasons and he repeated the reasons. Though Jizyah is part and parcel of our Islamic teachings, traditon and practice for more than a millenium, here comes the great Muslim and abolishes it in the spirit of the time, a lesson for all times. Islam is not only for the thereafter, it is for the herenow as well.
2003-07-06

K. HASANEE FROM CANADA said:
It is a powerful and concise advice to our muslims and muslim communities in Europe and North America. Each Islamic organizations/Islamic movements should define or prioritize their activies to avoid duplication or competition.
2003-07-06

MUSLIM FROM US said:
I don't think Sufi leaders, and Ikhwan al Muslimeen can be considered as followers of the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet. The Prophet SWS never said to look like non Muslims (or wear a suit and tie) with a pant that goes below the anckle, and which is tight enough to show our body's shape when we bow down for prayer!!
The Prophet SWS never followed Sufi "Dhikr" ways. THe Dhikr that we need to do is what he SWS allowed. Invoking deads and ask them for help is a shirk, it's associating someone in worship with Allah...which is against what Islam stands for.
The prophet SWS never used to form "political parties" according to todays political concept. He started by teaching people their deen, and Tawheed. Engaging in today's politics with its dirty non islamic rules, will oblige us to lie and cheat in order to win elections and get people votes. Being a part of a parliament in its current shape is not what Islam wants us to do. We have to start from teaching the BASE, their deen, until we get the knowledge that will change what's in our hearts...then Allah will change our situation. "Allah will not change the condition of people until they change what's in their hearts" So let's change what's in our hearts first, then Allah will give us victory and prosperity insh'Allah.
Any sect that claim to follow the Sunnah of the prophet, but in reality does not, is for sure among those 72 sects that the Prophet SWS say they are in hell fire.
Wallahu aalam!
2003-07-06

NOON FROM USA said:
Excellent. Thank AllAU.
2003-07-06

RASAQ AIBUKI FROM ENGLAND said:
This is definitely an inspiring passage from one the true muslim leaders especially, at a time like this when we(muslims) need something not sentimental but just, according to the teachings and traditions of Islam.
2003-07-06

AHMED FROM USA said:
May Allah bless the Cheikk forever in the mane of the true Prophet of Islam, Mouhamed (PSL)
2003-07-06

LUBNA SARWATH BINT MUHAMMAD FROM HYDERABAD, INDIA said:
salaamun alaykum.. i feel very puny and humble writing, after having read the article on Hasan Al-Banna Shaheed. i have read him before, but i take this opportunity on this platform to state, that i have been deeply influenced not only by him but by his grandson Dr Tariq Ramadan(University of Fribourg, Geneva, Switzerland), an outstanding scholar and individual, thru his writings. While, thru Hasan Al-Banna , Allah imbibed in me an honest desire to become a shaheed, Brother Tariq inculcated in me the strong qualities such as discipline, gentleness and humbleness, which are so very vital for a muslim/muslimah to get closer to Allah, especially when facing tough, hard circumstances, on the way of deen.

i saw in them, the ardent desire and the deep, pure love for the Prophet. Hasan Al-Banna exhorted muslims towards a practical Islam, not just the ritualistic.

May Allah bless Shaheed Hasan Al-Banna with the companionship of Muhammad(saw), and Brother Tariq with abundance of righteousness and piety, a lofty status both in this world and the hereafter, and with nearness to Himself..i hope Allah blesses me too with these.. ameen..
2003-07-06

JUMA O. JUMA FROM UNITED STATES OF AMERICA said:
This is a comprehensive piece of advice/guidance which when adhered to by all Muslims, and heard by all living souls, will liberate the whole world of its social and economic ills that have inflicted it due to ignorance; Allaahu-Akbar.
2003-07-06

SHUJA SYED FROM TORONTO, CANADA said:
This is exactly Muslims are not interested to do. We are in hurry. We are in rush after a long slumber. We do not have patience. We have lots of gossips about Bush and Blair. But our average Muslim does not have any plan. We have learned to grow beard, scarf, participate in the Mosque acitivities to save our children, but we do not have any plan at all. Sorry. Shuja
2003-07-06

REV. BOB ALEXANDER, RM, R. EEG T. FROM USA said:
Greetings to ALL my Brothers and Sisters of the world,

Imam Hasan al-Banna was obviously a saint and messenger from the Creator. He inspired great reform and pride for those following Islam as prescribed by the Quran and the prophet Muhammad's tradition.

Now is a good time to remind all followers in the Islamic faith of this great man and share his teachings to show how the consciousness and beliefs can be so corrupted by the rich and powerful - those with an agenda, the leaders, the rulers, those having an interest or a profit to gain by corrupting the average individual!

Are we all not children of the Creator - call it God, Allah, Great Spirit or whatever Name or no Name - are we all not children of LOVE? Therefor, are we all not Brothers and Sisters, being a childe of God, sharing the same seed called consciousness - awareness - MIND?

I encourage every-One to visit and ponder my web site at: www.NeuroLogicalUniverse.net so the chains of bondage can be removed to restore the Light of Freedom for ALL!

with Love, Peace and Freedom, I AM

Rev. Bob Alexander, RM, R. EEG T.
www.NeuroLogicalUniverse.net/
http://home.earthlink.net/~ozone451/
E-mail: [email protected]
2003-07-06

RASHEED FROM KSA said:
Dears,
I do remember one his comprehensive statement on Islam. But I don't remember the exact words of that statement. It is somewhat like the following: For us, Islam is Ibadat, Zakat, Salah, Fasting, Education, Finance, Politics, Agriculture, Family Affairs, marriage, entertainment, penal codes etc etc. we don't know on what basis those people out there are making any partitions on Islam". Would you pls. try to get me these quotes ? Jazakumullahu Khairan,
Rasheed
2003-07-06

LINDA ABRAMS FROM USA said:
The article on Hasan al-Banna piqued my interest. I wish the author had mentioned his country and how he died and filld in the details. Guess that's why we have internet, eh?
2003-07-06

MOHAMMAD A ANSARI FROM USA said:
AA

Agee with every thing except, not joining political parties. Muslims must be politically active and involved.

Dr Ansari
2003-07-06