‘Franchised’ Security Threats: A Review of the Muslim Brotherhood Branch in Germany & United Kingdom
摘要
Germany and the Muslim Brotherhood is a topic that has made Western European countries more cautious and aware of their current activities and potential threats of the brotherhood particularly in Germany. Europe has faced one of the strongest Islamic organizations due to the group’s discipline, secret nature, vast network and support it has gathered over the years. The Muslim communities have been the biggest support of the brotherhood in Western European countries especially in Germany. The Muslim brotherhood entered Western Europe in order to avoid prosecution from their government back in Egypt during the era of President Gamal Abdul Nasser. When influential brotherhood members entered Europe, their plans of accomplishing the organization’s goal changed. For instance, in Germany the brotherhood was free to practice their religion under the democratic system. They took advantage of such a system and started their activities slowly in order to attract as many members as possible. The targets were the Muslim communities. Over the years it has been seen that the brotherhood has affected and influenced the minds and thoughts of the German Muslim communities. In front of German society the brotherhood was seen as friendly and liberal. Other advantages included their direct contribution and involvement in the society they live in. The brotherhood managed to support the Muslim communities by building up schools, institutions, mosques and centres in order to fulfill the obligations of the Muslim community. However, underneath all their friendly and supportive attitude toward the Muslim communities, the brotherhood had other intentions and goals for Germany. The potential threats of the Muslim brotherhood branch in Germany which has been exposed by both the government and the intelligence services is the implementation of the sharia law and the creation of an Islamic state. The brotherhood in Germany has still not accepted the German systems and laws as it clashes with the organization principles and beliefs. The belief of the organization is implementing the sharia law and living an Islamic life.