Gamal al-Banna - an abstract

The rationale behind the popularity of Islamic groups in the Arab world lies in the fact that they claim to speak on behalf of Islam- the belief of the majority of the populations in the Arab world. Islam is not merely a religion, but it is also an idiom which fixed the linguistic pattern internalized by all Muslims. In addition, Islam is inseparable from the history, civilization, culture, and legal, political, economic and social norms and rules of the Arab world. Nonetheless, the influence of Islamic groups is mainly due to their organizational capacity and their insistence on justice - Islam's fundamental principle- from which follows their strong opposition to corrupt and repressive regimes.

Given that Islamic groups have a wide following and are the most potent opposition force, it is crucial to include them in any ongoing reform processes in the Arab world. However, liberal and secular civil society forces deeply mistrust the commitment of Islamic movements to democracy, and hence are reluctant to open the doors for the Islamists to participate in the political game. However, a mediator accepted by both parties can bridge the gap of distrust and pave the road for compromise and collaboration.

The ruling regimes can no longer ignore the power that Islamic movements exercise within society. If Islamic movements commit themselves in a credible manner to the main principles of democracy, the ruling regimes must accept them as legitimate players in the political life of their countries. On the other hand, Islamic movements must abandon their attachment to a vision of the virtuous state which attempts to recreate a political system modeled along the lines of the community of Medina at the time of the Prophet. What is needed is an interpretation of Islam compatible with present day needs and conditions.