Mohammed Mahdi Akef facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Muhammad Mahdi Akef
محمد مهدي عاكف |
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| 7th General Guide of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood | |
| In office January 2004 – January 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Ma'mun al-Hudaybi |
| Succeeded by | Mohammed Badie |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 12, 1928 Kafr Awad Al-Seneita, Dakahlia, Egypt |
| Died | September 22, 2017 (aged 89) Cairo, Egypt |
| Alma mater | Ain Shams University |
Mohammed Mahdi Akef (Arabic: محمد مهدي عاكف; July 12, 1928 – September 22, 2017) was an important leader in the Muslim Brotherhood. This group is a large Islamic political movement based in Egypt. He served as its "General Guide" (which means chairman or leader) from 2004 to 2010. He took over after the previous leader, Ma'mun al-Hudaybi, passed away.
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Early Life and Education
Mohammed Mahdi Akef was born in 1928 in a place called Kafr Awad Al Seneita, in northern Egypt. Interestingly, the Muslim Brotherhood movement was also started in the same year he was born.
He finished his primary school in Al Mansoura. Then, he completed his secondary education in Cairo. After that, he went to the Higher Institute of Physical Education and graduated in 1950. He then became a teacher at a secondary school.
His Work and Leadership
Akef first joined the Muslim Brotherhood in 1940. At that time, the group was led by Hassan al Banna.
He studied law and helped manage training camps for the Brotherhood. This was during a time when Egypt was trying to end British control in the Canal area, before the 1952 Revolution. Later, he was in charge of the Students Section and the Physical Education Section at the group's main office.
In 1954, Akef was arrested. He was released in 1974. After his release, he worked as a manager for youth programs. He then moved to Saudi Arabia to advise the World Assembly of Muslim Youth. He helped organize many large camps for young Muslims around the world. He also became the director of an Islamic Centre in Munich, Germany.
Since 1987, he was a member of the Muslim Brotherhood's main leadership group. In the same year, he was elected to be a member of the Egyptian Parliament.
In 1996, he faced legal issues related to his role in the Muslim Brotherhood. He was released in 1999.
He led the Brotherhood during the 2005 Egyptian parliamentary election. In these elections, the group gained many seats in parliament, showing their growing support.
In 2009, there were reports that Akef had resigned as the General Guide. However, the next day, the Muslim Brotherhood's website said he had not resigned. He continued to lead the group until new elections were held in January 2010.
After a change in government in Egypt in 2013, the Muslim Brotherhood faced new challenges. Akef was arrested again during this time.
His Views and Beliefs
Mohammed Mahdi Akef had clear ideas about how the Muslim Brotherhood should act. He believed the group should be careful and responsible in its actions.
For example, in 2005, he said that the rule of the president at the time, Mubarak, was "failed and finished." In 2007, he explained that if the group protested in the streets, it could lead to serious problems. He said he had to protect the movement and act carefully.
He also had strong opinions on global events. In the mid-2000s, he saw those fighting against American forces in Iraq as "freedom fighters."
Personal Life and Health
While he was in prison in Egypt, Akef's health became worse. His daughter said that he was kept separate in the prison hospital. She also mentioned that he was only allowed one visit per week, even though he was old and not well. His daughter is married to Mahmoud Ezzat, and they have five children.
Death
Mohammed Mahdi Akef passed away on September 22, 2017. He was 89 years old.
See also
- History of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt
Images for kids
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Mohammed Mahdi Akef
