Sayyid Qutb

About the Author

Sayyid Qutb (1906-1966) was a prominent Egyptian Islamist thinker, author, and leading figure in the Muslim Brotherhood, whose intellectual contributions profoundly shaped modern Islamic thought and activism. Born in a rural village in Asyut, Qutb initially pursued a career in education and literature, publishing poetry and novels that reflected his early secular influences. His transformative pilgrimage to the United States in the late 1940s deepened his commitment to Islamic revivalism, leading him to critique Western materialism and advocate for a return to Qur'anic principles. Imprisoned for his political activities, Qutb penned some of his most influential works during captivity, emphasizing jihad and the establishment of a just Islamic society. Executed by the Egyptian government in 1966, his legacy endures as both inspirational and controversial, fueling debates on religion, politics, and resistance.