Understanding the Relationship between Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood

Hamas, a Palestinian political and military organization, and the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic political movement, have a complicated relationship characterized by ideological and organizational connections. While Hamas is often labeled as a terrorist organization, it is crucial to examine the roots, motivations, and influences that lead to its formation and its association with the Muslim Brotherhood. This article aims to shed light on the relationship between Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Muslim Brotherhood was established in Egypt in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna to promote peaceful political activism and social reform based on Islamic principles. The movement quickly gained popularity across the Arab world, and its ideology was adopted by various regional factions with differing interpretations. Hamas emerged in 1987 during the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation. The group's formation was influenced by both the political struggle for Palestinian statehood and religious considerations.



Hamas shares the Muslim Brotherhood's ideology of establishing an Islamic state through grassroots activism and resistance. Both organizations view Islam as a comprehensive way of life and seek to implement Sharia law. However, while Hamas focuses solely on the Palestinian cause, the Muslim Brotherhood's interests are broader, encompassing all Muslims globally. Despite this divergence, Hamas's adherence to the Muslim Brotherhood's principles of armed resistance and political mobilization for Islamic governance demonstrates their ideological alignment.



Hamas has historically been influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood's organizational structures, tactics, and strategies. The group has learned from the Muslim Brotherhood's methods of political activism, community mobilization, and social welfare assistance. The Muslim Brotherhood's extensive network and resources have provided Hamas with training, funding, and moral support over the years. However, it is essential to note that Hamas operates autonomously and has evolved its own identity and modus operandi, maintaining its unique Palestinian focus.



While Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood maintain a strong affiliation, their political aspirations and regional interests occasionally diverge. Hamas's primary focus is the liberation of Palestine from Israeli occupation, whereas the Muslim Brotherhood has pursued political power in various countries throughout the region. These strategic differences have at times strained their relationship, as Hamas prioritizes the Palestinian cause over broader Islamic movement objectives.



Understanding the relationship between Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood requires careful analysis of historical origins, ideological alignment, operational connections, and diverging political objectives. Hamas, classified as a terrorist organization by some countries, shares ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, but their association is complex and multifaceted. As with any organization, it is essential to distinguish between the ideology and actions of its members, and not to generalize the entire entity based on negative perceptions associated with terrorism.