Contemporary Islamic Political Thought in Egypt: Reading Jamal al-Banna and Tariq al-Bishri in Autocratic Contexts

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This book takes a hermeneutic approach toward reading the writings of Jamal al-Banna and Tariq al-Bishri across several decades in order to explore contemporary Islamic political thought under authoritarianism. Ebtisam Aly Hussein uses the framework of 'meta-languages', in relation to the writings of these two particular Islamic intellectuals, to examine how authority over the public sphere is established, in both religious and political terms. Chapters outline the major themes of Islamic political thought in the writings of al-Banna and al-Bishri - mainly the state in Islam, Shari'a application, political violence as jihad, and identity politics - and how in their writings they have interacted with a variety of autocratic practices under Nasir, Sadat and Mubarak. The book puts forward a unique study of the role of politics and religion in establishing authority over the public sphere, and how this authority is manifested in the intellectual output of these two Islamic intellectuals.

Reviews

Exceptional in the realm of political science, this book stands out for its author's insightful exploration of religious thought. This unique perspective offers a profound lens through which to comprehend the history of Islamic political thought in Egypt and, in more general, the relationship between religion and politics. * Ansgar Jdicke, Professor, University of Fribourg, Switzerland *
This is a really important book, shedding much-needed light on philosophical debates within contemporary Islamic political thought. A significant amount of attention is given to Islamist movements, their strategic aims and organisational features. This book allows us to engage instead with the ideas behind the scene. A much welcome useful contribution. * Francesco Cavatorta, Professor, Universit Laval, Canda *
Ebtisam Aly Hussein's 'Contemporary Islamic Political Thought in Egypt' is a captivating exploration into the intellectual landscape shaped by two prominent Egyptian thinkers, Jamal al-Banna and Tariq al-Bishri. The book not only contributes significantly to the understanding of Egyptian intellectual traditions but also provides a valuable framework for scholars seeking to explore and compare the diverse landscape of Islamic political thought. A must-read for anyone interested in the dynamic interplay of ideas within the Islamic intellectual sphere. * Khalil al-Anani, Professor, Princeton University, USA *

Author Bio

Ebtisam Aly Hussein is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Cairo University, Egypt. She is currently an ENC Academic Council Member.