Said Ramadan

Said Ramadan is an Egyptian political activist who served as a preeminent leader within the Muslim Brotherhood. He became a significant figure in international Islamic politics during the 1950s.

Career

Ramadan rose to prominence as a main leader of the Muslim Brotherhood during the 1950s. He was the son-in-law of Hassan al-Banna, who founded the organization. The Egyptian government under Gamal Abdul Nasser accused him of receiving pay from the CIA. After his expulsion from Egypt, he relocated to Saudi Arabia to join the constituent council of the Muslim World League. This charity and missionary group receives funding from the Saudi government.

He acted as the unofficial "foreign minister" for the Muslim Brotherhood starting in the 1950s. In 1948, Ramadan traveled to Karachi to attend the World Muslim Congress following the creation of Israel. Although he represented the Muslim Brotherhood at this event, he was not selected as secretary-general due to his extremism. He focused instead on influencing young Pakistani intellectuals through booklets and weekly radio programs.

Ramadan engaged with prominent figures such as Abul A'la Maududi during his time in Pakistan. Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan endorsed him by prefacing one of his books. To help him integrate into Pakistani society, he wore a Jinnah cap—a choice that reportedly made people forget his Egyptian origins. His media presence was constant because he argued for legislation based on the sharia. This work is said to have contributed to Pakistan becoming an Islamic Republic in 1956.

The CIA supported Ramadan during the 1950s and 1960s because they viewed him as an ally against communism. While some reports suggest he was a US agent, the United States primarily backed him as he established a mosque in Munich. This center became a vital refuge for the Muslim Brotherhood during difficult decades. He eventually prioritized his Islamist agenda over the interests of the United States.

Ramadan authored several influential texts including "Islamic law; its scope and equity" and "Islam and nationalism." His other published works are "Three major problems confronting the world of Islam," "Islam, doctrine and way of life," "What we stand for," and "What is an Islamic state?"

Personal life

Born on 12 April 1926, Ramadan grew up in the Nile Delta. He was the father of Hani Ramadan and Tariq Ramadan. His close confidant was Mahmoud K. Muftić, a Bosnian Muslim who married his cousin.

Ramadan died on 4 August 1995. He was interred next to Hassan al-Banna on 9 August 1995.

Awards and recognition

The Said Ramadan Peace Prize is named in his honour.