Between Preaching and Judging: the Muslim Brotherhood and the Predicament of takfīr (1960s–1980s)

Abstract Both as a slogan and book, “Preachers, not Judges” has long dominated academic narratives about the Muslim Brotherhood’s turn towards ‘moderation’ in 1970s 1980s. However, upon examination, several commonplace assumptions do hold. Firstly, Brotherhood never renounced takfīr basic doctrine. It only debated different ways of implementing this doctrine practice. Secondly, was much less clear authoritative doctrinal statement than often assumed. is better understood tactical manoeuvre aimed at avoiding splits within movement. Based primarily on new comprehensive survey contemporary sources from 1970s, article will propose revised understanding discourse preaching, judging, that remains relevant until present day.