# Sayyid Qutb

> Egyptian political theorist and revolutionary (1906–1966)

**Wikidata**: [Q211379](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q211379)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sayyid_Qutb)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sayyid-qutb

## Summary
Sayyid Qutb was an Egyptian political theorist and revolutionary (1906–1966) who developed Qutbism, a Sunni Islamist ideology that influenced later movements like the Muslim Brotherhood. He was a key figure in Egyptian politics and a prolific writer, authoring works such as *Milestones* and *Fi Zilal al-Quran*. His ideas shaped the political and religious landscape of Egypt and the broader Muslim world.

## Biography
- Born: October 9, 1906 (or September 10, 1906)
- Nationality: Egyptian
- Education: Studied at Cairo University and Al-Azhar University
- Known for: Developing Qutbism, a Sunni Islamist ideology
- Employer(s): Cairo University, Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt
- Field(s): Political theory, Islamic jurisprudence, revolutionary thought

## Contributions
Sayyid Qutb authored several influential works, including:
- *Milestones* (1964), a political and religious treatise that outlined his ideology of Qutbism.
- *Fi Zilal al-Quran* (In the Light of the Quran), a commentary on the Quran that emphasized its political and moral dimensions.
These works laid the foundation for Qutbism, which advocated for a strict interpretation of Islam, political activism, and the establishment of an Islamic state.

## FAQs
**What was Sayyid Qutb’s primary ideology?**
Sayyid Qutb’s ideology, known as Qutbism, emphasized a strict interpretation of Islam, political activism, and the establishment of an Islamic state. His works, such as *Milestones* and *Fi Zilal al-Quran*, outlined these principles.

**Where did Sayyid Qutb receive his education?**
Sayyid Qutb studied at Cairo University and Al-Azhar University, two of Egypt’s most prestigious institutions for higher education and Islamic studies.

**What was the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, and how was Sayyid Qutb connected to it?**
The Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt was a Sunni Islamist movement founded in 1928. Sayyid Qutb was a key figure in the Brotherhood and played a significant role in shaping its political and religious ideology.

**What are some of Sayyid Qutb’s most notable works?**
Sayyid Qutb’s most notable works include *Milestones* (1964) and *Fi Zilal al-Quran*, which outlined his political and religious ideology and had a lasting impact on Islamic thought.

## Why They Matter
Sayyid Qutb’s ideas and writings had a profound impact on Islamic thought and political movements, particularly in Egypt and the broader Muslim world. His ideology, Qutbism, influenced later movements like the Muslim Brotherhood and shaped the political and religious landscape of the region. His works, such as *Milestones* and *Fi Zilal al-Quran*, continue to be studied and debated, reflecting his enduring influence on Islamic jurisprudence and revolutionary thought.

## Notable For
- Developer of Qutbism, a Sunni Islamist ideology
- Author of *Milestones* (1964), a foundational text of Qutbism
- Key figure in the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt
- Prolific writer on Islamic jurisprudence and political theory
- Influenced later Islamic political movements and thinkers

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Sayyid Qutb was born on October 9, 1906 (or September 10, 1906), in Egypt. He received his education at Cairo University and Al-Azhar University, where he studied Islamic theology, jurisprudence, and political science. His time at these institutions shaped his intellectual and religious outlook, preparing him for a career in political and religious leadership.

### Career and Political Influence
Sayyid Qutb was a key figure in the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, a Sunni Islamist movement founded in 1928. He played a significant role in shaping the Brotherhood’s political and religious ideology, which emphasized a strict interpretation of Islam and political activism. His ideas and writings had a profound impact on the Brotherhood and influenced later Islamic political movements.

### Major Works and Contributions
Sayyid Qutb authored several influential works, including:
- *Milestones* (1964), a political and religious treatise that outlined his ideology of Qutbism.
- *Fi Zilal al-Quran* (In the Light of the Quran), a commentary on the Quran that emphasized its political and moral dimensions.
These works laid the foundation for Qutbism, which advocated for a strict interpretation of Islam, political activism, and the establishment of an Islamic state.

### Legacy and Influence
Sayyid Qutb’s ideas and writings continue to be studied and debated, reflecting his enduring influence on Islamic jurisprudence and revolutionary thought. His ideology, Qutbism, has been adopted and adapted by various political and religious movements, shaping the political and religious landscape of Egypt and the broader Muslim world. His works, such as *Milestones* and *Fi Zilal al-Quran*, remain foundational texts in the study of Islamic thought and political theory.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Dictionary of African Biography
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. CiNii Research
5. [Source](http://global.britannica.com/biography/Sayyid-Qutb)
6. Integrated Authority File
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Quora
10. LIBRIS. 2012
11. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/seyyid-kutub)
12. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
13. الأرشيف:  سيد قطب. Alsharekh Archive
14. Catalogo of the National Library of India