In 2006, an individual was inspired by a sheikh's negative remarks about Sayyid Qutb to read his book "Milestones," despite it being banned. Sayyid Qutb (1906-1966) was an influential Islamic thinker and writer, initially influenced by secular literature and politics before turning to Islamic activism. He faced health challenges and political imprisonment, eventually being executed by the Egyptian government for his ideas, which continued to inspire long after his death. The narrative emphasizes the impact of Qutb's work and the perceived injustice of his execution.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Sayyid Qutb was born on October 9, 1906, in a village named Mosha in Asyut province, Egypt.
2. He spent his childhood in the village and learned the Holy Quran by heart.
3. In 1928, Sayyid Qutb entered Dar al-Ulum college, where he graduated after four years in 1932.
4. He was appointed as a teacher in the Ministry of Education at the age of 27.
5. Sayyid Qutb was a romantic poet and was influenced by the writings of Abbas Mahmud al-Aqqad.
6. He was the one who introduced Naguib Mahfouz to his literate friends, including Tawfiq al-Hakim and Taha Hussein.
7. Sayyid Qutb had health problems, including tuberculosis, which was a chronic lung disease.
8. He traveled to the US in 1948 to learn new methods of teaching and stayed there for four years.
9. During his time in the US, Sayyid Qutb became interested in the ideas of the Muslim Brotherhood.
10. He returned to Egypt in 1952 and resigned from the Ministry of Education due to disputes over administrative issues.
11. Sayyid Qutb was close to the Egyptian army and was appointed as a consultant to the Revolutionary Command Council.
12. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 1954 after the Manshia Incident.
13. Sayyid Qutb was released from prison in 1964 after the Iraqi president, Abdul Salam Arif, intervened.
14. He wrote his famous book, Milestones, in the same year, which was like a "dropped bomb" and expressed his anger towards the regime.
15. Sayyid Qutb was arrested again in 1965 and sentenced to death in the military case No. 12.
16. He was executed on the dawn of August 29, 1966.
17. Sayyid Qutb's execution was a turning point in the history of the Muslim Brotherhood, and his ideas continued to inspire people even after his death.
18. The Egyptian military regime banned his writings, but this only served to make his ideas more desirable and widely read.
19. Sayyid Qutb's death was seen as a symbol of resistance against oppression and tyranny.
20. He is remembered as a thinker, writer, and martyr who gave his life for his beliefs.