Hasan al-Banna حسن البنا

1906–1949 CE

Founded the Muslim Brotherhood (al-Ikhwan al-Muslimun) in 1928 — a highly influential Islamic movement of the 20th century. His organizational genius created a comprehensive social movement combining religious education, social services, economic enterprises, and political activism.

Why They Mattered

He invented the modern Islamic movement — a mass-mobilization organization that integrated piety with politics. The Brotherhood model was replicated across the Muslim world, from Hamas to Ennahda.

Intellectual Role

Hasan al-Banna functioned primarily as a reformer, intricately weaving Islamic ideals with social and political activism. His establishment of the Muslim Brotherhood in 1928 marked a pivotal moment in Islamic thought, as he sought to forge a mass-based Islamic movement that transcended traditional religious boundaries. Unlike contemporaries who might have focused solely on scholarly discourse or political agitation, al-Banna’s approach was holistic, integrating dawa (invitation to Islam) with social welfare and political strategy. His methodology was characterized by grassroots mobilization a…

Legacy

The Muslim Brotherhood remains a significant Islamist movement globally. His organizational model — combining mosque, school, social services, and political party — became the template for Islamic activism worldwide. He was assassinated in 1949.