Abdel-Moneim Abol-Fotoh
He ran for president in Egypt's 2012 presidential elections but lost.
Abol-Fotoh was born in al-Malik al-Salih, Old Cairo. His family was originally from the Gharbiya governorate.
He lives in Cairo with his wife who is an obstetrician. They have three daughters and three sons.[2]
Contents |
Education
Abdel-Moneim Abol-Fotoh studied medicine at Cairo University. As a student, he was politically active. In 1975, he served as president of the university's student union and secretary of the Media Committee for Egyptian Universities. He was barred from working at his university because of his well-known confrontation with President Anwar al-Sadat in 1977.[3]
His Debate with Sadat
In 1977, Sadat met with some student representatives, including Abol-Fotoh, from various universities in Egypt.[4] Quite spontaneously, Abol-Fotoh began voicing his concerns about Sadat's policies. He argued that Sadat's government was sending youth mixed messages, so much so that the youth were facing an identity crisis. To this, Sadat replied, "In 1971, I announced that this state is the state of knowledge and faith." Abol-Fotoh interrupted, pointing out to Sadat that the "state of faith" exiled religious scholars like the well-known Sheikh Muhammad al-Ghazali. The only scholars left, Abol-Fotoh told Sadat, "are those who are hypocritical towards authority, towards you and towards the rest of those in power." Sadat was furious.
Abol-Fotoh graduated with highest honors in 1976. He then received a Master’s in law from Cairo University and another Master’s in hospital administration from the Faculty of Commerce, Helwan University.[5]
Career and Political Involvement
Abol-Fotoh became a pediatrician. He also held several important political positions. He served as secretary general of the the Egyptian medical syndicate and, in 2004, became secretary general of the Arab Medical Union, where he helped organize several relief missions including those to Aswan, Duwaiqa, Gaza, Lebanon, Libya and Somalia.[6] He was imprisoned in 2009 for three months due to his work with the relief missions to Gaza in 2008.[7]
As Muslim Brother
Abdel-Moneim Abol-Fotoh said that in the early 1970s, he and his colleagues wanted to resume the work that the MB started. The movement then was crippled due to Nasser's repression.[8]
Abol-Fotoh served in the MB's guidance council from 1987 to 2009.[9] He was imprisoned in 1981 and 1995 for his connections with the group.[10]
He was known in the organization for his liberal views, and this made him popular with the MB youth. Under Mubarak, "he was a vocal critic of the regime and called on the Muslim Brotherhood to boycott the fraudulent 2010 parliamentary elections."[11]
After January 25, 2011
In February 2011, during the first wave of the Revolution, Abol-Fotoh wrote an article clarifying the stance of the MB, whose predicted takeover was used by counterrevolutionaries as a scare tactic. He tried to refute the West-East dichotomy that some people used:
- Contrary to fear-mongering reports, the West and the Muslim Brotherhood are not enemies. It is a false dichotomy to posit, as some alarmists are suggesting, that Egypt's choices are either the status quo of the Mubarak regime or a takeover by ‘Islamic extremists'...For Muslims, ideological differences with others are taught not to be the root cause of violence and bloodshed because a human being's freedom to decide how to lead his or her personal life is an inviolable right found in basic Islamic tenets, as well as Western tradition. Political differences, however, can be a matter of existential threats and interests, and we have seen this play out, for example, in the way the Mubarak regime has violently responded to peaceful demonstrators.[12]
He then clarified his view of Shari`a (Islamic law) and its implementation in post-Mubarak Egypt: "While this is not on anyone's immediate agenda, it is instructive to note that the concept of governance based on sharia is not a theocracy for Sunnis since we have no centralized clergy in Islam. For us, Islam is a way of life adhered to by one-fifth of the world's population. Sharia is a means whereby justice is implemented, life is nurtured, the common welfare is provided for, and liberty and property are safeguarded. In any event, any transition to a sharia-based system will have to garner a consensus in Egyptian society."[13]
During the Revolution, the Arab Medical Union, headed by Abol-Fotoh, helped set up much-needed makeshift medical clinics in Tahrir Square.[14]
On February 23, 2012, Abol-Fotoh and his driver were on Cairo's Ring Road when armed men assaulted them with rifles and stole Abol-Fotoh's car. He subsequently suffered a concussion after having been hit in the head with a rifle.[15] The four assailants involved in his attack were caught three days later.[16]
Presidential Campaign
Although the MB had decided not to field a presidential candidate, Abdel-Moneim Abol-Fotoh announced in May 2011 that he will run for president anyway and was thus suspended from the organization.[17] The decision "hardened the resentment of the Brotherhood's youth who saw Fotoh as their mentor."[18]
In late December 2011, Muhammad Mursi, president of the Freedom and Justice Party, stated that "the party will not endorse any presidential candidate that left the MB... even if he was once a leading member [in the organization] or even if his ideals are similar to those of the MB."[19] He was, of course, making an indirect reference to Abol-Fotoh.[20]
Views on the Transitional Period and the Military Council
In an interview with TV hostess Muna Al-Shazli in early October 2011, Abol-Fotoh talked about his meeting with six other former presidential nominees (Amr Moussa, Hamdeen Sabahi, Hisham Bastawisi, Hazim Salah Abu Isma`il, Mohamed Selim Al-Awwa and Muhammad Al-Baradei) in mid-September in which they discussed Egypt's transitional period. He said that the prolongation of the transitional period posed a threat to Egypt's political and economic stability. He cited the presence of the military on the streets as one of the main reasons why, for example, tourism is in shambles: "Their [tourists'] governments warn them that there is no stability in Egypt... that martial law is still in effect, and that there is still a political void." He argued that a government elected and backed by the people has to be formed in order for an economic revival to take place. "We were not simply trying to rush presidential elections," he said. "We respect the military but wish to see it go back to its natural place. I, for one, hate to see the military sorting out civilian affairs. They have to go back to protecting the borders." He addressed the military council, saying that the trust people have for the military institution may wane if it does not speed up the transition process. It seems, he said, "that they are consulting with people from the old regime who are giving them faulty advice." He asserted that the military council should not meddle in politics.[21]
In another interview in November 2011, Abol-Fotoh said he was willing and ready to relinquish his right to run for president in order to take part in a "national salvation government." He said that fellow Muhammad Al-Baradei and Hamdeen Sabahi were also willing to do so in order to save the nation.[22]
In December 2011, Abol-Fotoh said that parliamentary elections have to take place quickly, followed directly by presidential elections, and the "military should [then] go back to the barracks, with all our gratitude and admiration." Only then should a constitution be drafted, he said. And the drafting process can take a year or longer. He wanted a constitution that reflects the aspirations of all Egyptians. "This [process] should not be carried out hastily." In the meantime, he said, Egyptians could live with the 1971 constitution.[23]
In April 2012, Abol-Fotoh expressed his disapproval of former Vice President Omar Suleiman's running for president. He said that Suleiman's bid for the presidency is an affront to the Revolution. Suleiman protected the former regime, and Mubarak and "his gang robbed and destroyed Egypt," Abol-Fotoh argued. "And Omar Suleiman was one of the most prominent members" of the group. He also said that the "group committed serious political crimes" and prevented the country from advancing.[24]
Program and Promises
Abol-Fotoh's platform is indicative of his moderate Islamic and political stances. He maintains that "religion is crucial to guiding mankind on earth."[25] He believes that Egypt needs a democratic system which is "founded upon a contractual relationship between the ruling authority and society, and from which the ruling authority derives its legitimacy." He promises that he will personally see to it that minorities are treated with utmost respect; "Hostility and maltreatment of minorities is [sic] sinful in Islamic creed and culture. In the forthcoming phase I intend to become more involved in the promotion of full integration of Muslims and non-Muslims in our society."[26]
Many people worry that if Islamists come to power, they will restrict personal choices and not respect basic freedoms. One big concern is that women will be coerced into wearing hijab (the headscarf). Abol-Fotoh said that it is in fact contrary to Shari`a to force women to cover. "It is the role of the [religious] scholars to tell us, the laymen, what is right and wrong, and then it is up to the citizens to do as they please," he argued. "A woman should not be coerced into wearing the hijab. If she is forced to wear it, she will do so hypocritically, and not for the sake of God." He added that the Egyptian people has always been religious and does not need a parliament that will teach them how to be pious. He added that people who want to hamper the implementation of democracy in Egypt create this fear of an Islamist takeover.[27]
Abol-Fotoh believes that Egypt should be a mixed economy, one where free trade and private companies are encouraged, but also one where the poor are not exploited.[28] When asked about his stance regarding tourism and how some people fear that an Islamist government will undermine the industry, Abol-Fotoh said that Egypt's former regime failed dismally at enlivening tourism; "Tourism was a failure. When a country with 75% of the world's artifacts, all of these beautiful beaches and a wonderful sun year round, receives around 12 million tourists every year, you know there is a problem. Especially if you look to a small country like Tunisia which receives 20 million tourists a year... We will try to reach 100 million tourists a year as well as revive internal tourism."[29]
Abol-Fotoh was asked if he would still run for president if the committee in charge of drafting the constitution greatly limits presidential powers and adopts the parliamentary system. He said that he would not continue the race because he does not seek an honorary role. Furthermore, he believes that the parliamentary system is not right for Egypt just yet. Egypt should wait until several well-established, competitive political parties form before adopting the parliamentary system. Until then, Egypt should remain as it is.[30]
On April 2, 2012, thousands came out to “celebrate the acceptance of… Abol-Fotoh’s application by the Presidential Election Committee."[31] During the rally, Abol-Fotoh said that he dreams of making Egypt one of the top twenty most powerful countries in the world in the next ten years, "a country in which citizens enjoy dignity and justice and are respected by the international community." He asserted that what is needed is “a patriotic regime that cares only for the interests of Egypt and its people,” not just for the political ambitions of one party or organization. During his speech, Abol-Fotoh promised that he and his government would reach out to those who have been marginalized under the rule of past regimes including those with special needs but also the Nubians in the south of Egypt. He highlighted the importance of the Egyptian youth and promised that he would appoint a vice president who is under 45,[32] and that he would "set the same standard for 50 percent of administrative posts in the country."[33] He said that he is aware that his 10-year vision exceeds the number of years that a president can stay in power, but said that he hopes he can at least take part in the early phases of this project. "We want an economically powerful country that boasts a commitment to social justice, a power with real freedom of the press, of religion and of expression, a... power with unsurpassable dignity for the citizens," he said to a cheering crowd.[34]
He came in fourth place in the presidential elections after MB candidate Muhammad Mursi, former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafik and Nasserist Hamdeen Sabahi.
In July 2012, Abol-Fotoh announced the creation of a new political party, Misr al-Qawiyya (Strong Egypt).[35]
Publications
Abdel-Moneim Abol-Fotoh wrote a memoir entitled Shahid ala Tarikh al-Haraka al-Islamiyya fi Misr (A Witness to the History of Egypt's Islamic Movement)," in which he recounts his experience as a young MB member as well as the organization's history from the late 1960s to the 1980s.[36]
References
- ↑ Abou el-Fotouh, Abdel Moneim. “Democracy supporters should not fear the Muslim Brotherhood.” The Washington Post. February 9, 2011. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/09/AR2011020905222.html Accessed January 5, 2012
- ↑ "Al-Sira al-Thatiyya lil-Ductur Abd al-Mun`im Abul-Futuh." Drabolfotoh.com. http://www.drabolfotoh.com/Pages/140/DrAboElfotohArticle.html Accessed January 7, 2012
- ↑ ”Dr. Abd al-Mun`im Abu al-Futuh fi-90 Daqiqa 26-11-2001.” ‘’Youtube’’. November 26, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57CvaR8rYJM Accessed January 6, 2012
- ↑ "Abd al-Mun`im Abul-Futuh fi Akir Kalam 2-2." Youtube. April 7, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw4Rt2R_OA4 Accessed January 7, 2012
- ↑ "Dr. Abdel-Mun`im Abul-Futuh." Ikhanweb. http://www.ikhwanwiki.com/index.php?عبد_المنعم_أبو_الفتوح Accessed January 7, 2012
- ↑ "Al-Sira al-Thatiyya lil-Ductur Abd al-Mun`im Abul-Futuh." Drabolfotoh.com
- ↑ "Abdel MoneniGma's Exclusive Interview with Presidential Candidate Dr. Abdelmonem Abolfotoh - Part I." Youtube. December 8, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKB3YHRHF_w&feature=relmfu Accessed January 8, 2012
- ↑ ”Interview: MB reformist Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh.” Bikya Masr. October 19, 2009. http://bikyamasr.com/139/interview-mb-abdel-moneim-aboul-fotouh/ Accessed January 5, 2012
- ↑ "Al-Sira al-Thatiyya lil-Ductur Abd al-Mun`im Abul-Futuh." Drabolfotoh.com
- ↑ ”Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh.” Carnegie. May 10, 2011. http://egyptelections.carnegieendowment.org/2011/10/05/abdel-moneim-aboul-fotouh Accessed January 5, 2012
- ↑ ”Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh.” ‘’Carnegie’’. May 10, 2011
- ↑ Abou el-Fotouh, Abdel Moneim. “Democracy supporters should not fear the Muslim Brotherhood.” The Washington Post
- ↑ Abou el-Fotouh, Abdel Moneim. “Democracy supporters should not fear the Muslim Brotherhood.” The Washington Post
- ↑ "Al-Sira al-Thatiyya lil-Ductur Abd al-Mun`im Abul-Futuh." Drabolfotoh.com
- ↑ "FJP deputy head blames interior ministry for attacks on political figures." Ahram Online. February 25, 2012. http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/35321/Egypt/Politics-/FJP-deputy-head-blames-interior-ministry-for-attac.aspx Accessed February 25, 2012
- ↑ Shams El-Din, Mai. "AbolFotoh recovers, assailants arrested." Daily News Egypt. February 26, 2012. http://www.thedailynewsegypt.com/egypt/abolfotoh-recovers-assailants-arrested.html Accessed March 6, 2012
- ↑ ”Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh.” Carnegie. May 10, 2011
- ↑ Glain, Stephen. “Fault Lines in Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood.” ‘’The Nation’’. September 12, 2011. http://www.thenation.com/article/162970/fault-lines-egypts-muslim-brotherhood Accessed January 6, 2012
- ↑ Fayid, Mahmud. "Mursi: Lan Nad`am Abou al-Futuh fil-Ri'asa." Al-Wafd. December 27, 2011. http://www.alwafd.org/أخبار-وتقارير/13-الشارع%20السياسي/141024-المرسى-لن-ندعم-أبو-الفتوح-فى-الرئاسة Accessed January 6, 2012
- ↑ ”FJP will not support former Brotherhood figure Aboul-Fotouh's presidential bid.” ‘’Al-Aham Weekly’’. December 27, 2011. http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/0/30309/Egypt/0/FJP-will-not-support-former-Brotherhood-figure-Abo.aspx Accessed January 5, 2012
- ↑ “Dr. Abd al-Mun`im Abu al-Futuh fil-Ashira Mas’an 04-10-2011." Youtube. October 5, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyfUZzWZo5U Accessed January 7, 2012
- ↑ "Dr. Abd al-Mun`im Abul-Futuh fi-90 Daqiqa 26-11-2011." Youtube. November 26, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57CvaR8rYJM Accessed January 8, 2012
- ↑ “Video Risalat Abd al-Mun`im Abu al-Futuh ila al-Askari.” ‘’Youtube’’. December 2, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA2JsF6njWk Accessed January 6, 2012
- ↑ "Liqa' Abdel-Moneim Abol-Fotoh ma` Mahmud Sa`d 11/4/2012." Youtube. April 11, 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS-TNwMZKZI&feature=relmfu Accessed April 14, 2012
- ↑ Abul-Fotouh, Abdel-Moneim. “East and West, beyond stereotypes.” Al-Ahram Weekly. July 31, 2011(1058). Updated August 2, 2011. http://www.abolfotoh.net/fotoh-articles/item/906-east-and-west-beyond-stereotypes-abdel-moneim-abul-fotouh.html Accessed January 5, 2012
- ↑ Abul-Fotouh, Abdel-Moneim. “East and West, beyond stereotypes.” Al-Ahram Weekly
- ↑ "Enigma's Exclusive Interview with Presidential Candidate Dr. Abdelmonem Abolfotih- Part II." Youtube. December 8, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So3e_vTqPZw&feature=relmfu Accessed January 7, 2012
- ↑ "Enigma's Exclusive Interview with Presidential Candidate Dr. Abdelmonem Abolfotih- Part II." Youtube. December 8, 2011
- ↑ "Abdel MoneniGma's Exclusive Interview with Presidential Candidate Dr. Abdelmonem Abolfotoh - Part I." Youtube. December 8, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKB3YHRHF_w&feature=relmfu Accessed January 8, 2012
- ↑ "Enigma's Exclusive Interview with Presidential Candidate Dr. Abdelmonem Abolfotih- Part II." Youtube
- ↑ Makar, Amir. "Abol Fotoh outlines election program, celebrates candidacy approval." Daily News Egypt. April 3, 2012. http://www.thedailynewsegypt.com/egypt/abol-fotoh-outlines-election-program-celebrates-candidacy-approval.html Accessed April 6, 2012
- ↑ Abol-Fotoh, Abdel Moneim. Presidential Rally. Azhar Park, Cairo, Egypt. April 2, 2012. http://soundcloud.com/nareman-amin/abol-fotoh-rally-april-2-2012?utm_campaign=timeline&utm_content=http%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fnareman-amin%2Fabol-fotoh-rally-april-2-2012&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=soundcloud#_=_
- ↑ Makar, Amir. "Abol Fotoh outlines election program, celebrates candidacy approval." Daily News Egypt. April 3, 2012
- ↑ Abol-Fotoh, Abdel Moneim. Presidential Rally. Azhar Park, Cairo, Egypt. April 2, 2012
- ↑ Sabry, Adham. "Abol-Fotoh Yu`lin Ta'sis Hizb Misr al-Qawwiya". Al-Dostor. July 3, 2012. http://dostor.org/الأخبار/قلب-مصر/20900-أبو-الفتوح-يعلن-تأسيس-حزب-مصر-القوية
- ↑ Shama, Nael M. "Book review: Memoirs of a Young Brothers Activist." Ahram Online. January 17, 2011. http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/18/62/3484/Books/Review/Book-review-Memoirs-of-a-Young-Brothers-Activist.aspx Accessed January 8, 2012
Other References
“Abdel moneim Aboul Fotouh.” Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdel_Moneim_Aboul_Fotouh Accessed January 6, 2012.
“Aboul Fotouh: ‘Egypt’s relations with Israel needs to be reconsidered according to Egypt’s interest." ‘’Al-Youm al-Sabi`’’. December 22, 2011. http://en.svr.su/content/item/3161/ Accessed January 5, 2012.
"Abul-Futuh: al-Sha`b Ikhtar al-Islamiyyin li-Yakhdimhum wa laysa li-Yu`alimhu al-Din." Al-Dostor. January 7, 2012. http://www.almogaz.com/politics/news/2012/01/7/143011 Accessed January 7, 2012.
"Abul-Futuh: Intikhabat al-Ri'asa lan Tantazhir I`dad al-Dustur.. Wa-Istimrar al-Askari fil-Hukm Khatar." Al-Shorouk. January 4, 2012. http://shorouknews.com/news/view.aspx?cdate=04012012&id=5eb9480a-9a67-4dc4-a633-b837aed204c4 Accessed January 6, 2012.
"Abul-Futuh: Lan Nuffirt fi-Dima' al-Shuhada'.. Wa ala al-Nizham al-Qadim Muhasabat al-Mutawwaitin." Al-Dostor. January 6, 2012. http://www.almogaz.com/politics/news/2012/01/6/142235 Accessed January 7, 2012.
Al-Mishtawi, Muhamad and Yahya Saqr. "Abou al-Futuh: Mushkilat Misr fil-Sakan wal-Batala wa laysa al-Khamr wal-Bikini." Al-Mesryoon. January 4, 2012. http://www.almesryoon.com/news.aspx?id=94332 Accessed January 6, 2012.
Cruickshank, Paul. "The religious pragmatist who might be Egypt's next president". CNN. May 23, 2012. http://articles.cnn.com/2012-05-23/africa/world_africa_egypt-abol-fotoh-interview_1_tahrir-square-presidential-debate-gamal-mubarak?_s=PM:AFRICA Accessed May 29, 2012.
“Dr. Abd al-Mun`im Abu al-Futuh fil-Ashira Mas’an 12-7-2011.” ‘’Youtube’’. July 13, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ2cYveX0Vk Accessed January 6, 2012.
"Dr. Abdel-Moneim Abol-Fotoh fi Akhir Kalam 12-01-2012." Youtube. January 12, 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ummv_1zSkzs&feature=related Accessed February 17, 2012.
"Egyptian presidential hopeful near recovery after car attack." Ahram Online. February 25, 2012. http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/35369/Egypt/Politics-/Egyptian-presidential-hopeful-near-recovery-after-.aspx Accessed February 25, 2012.
“El-Erian: Brotherhood had to dismiss Egyptian presidential candidate who has right to appeal.” ‘’Al-Ahram Online’’. June 20, 2011. http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/14643/Egypt/Politics-/ElErian-Brotherhood-had-to-dismiss-Egyptian-presid.aspx Accessed January 5, 2012.
El Gundy, Zeinab. "Sabbahi, Abul-Fotouh campaigns strategise on runoff plans". Ahram Online. May 30, 2012. http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/43282.aspx Accessed May 31, 2012.
El-Hennawy, Noha. "Meet your presidential candidate: Abdel Moneim Abouel Fotouh, the reformer." Egypt Independent. March 6, 2012. http://www.egyptindependent.com/node/698106 Accessed March 14, 2012.
“Fayoum University receives presidential hopeful Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh.” ‘’Egyptian Universities News’’. December 21, 2011. http://www.uv.edu.eg/en/fayoum/item/13822-fayoum-university-receives-presidential-hopeful-abdel-moneim-aboul-fotouh Accessed January 5, 2012.
Maged, Amani. “The Brotherhood and the presidency.” ‘’Al-Ahram Weekly’’. May 19-25, 2011(1048). http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2011/1048/eg7.htm Accessed January 5, 2012.
Shukrallah, Hani. "Minerva's owl flies at dusk: A quick reading of Egypt's presidential vote". Ahram Online. May 28, 2012. http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/36/122/43096/Presidential-elections-/Presidential-elections-news/Minervas-owl-flies-at-dusk-A-quick-reading-of-Egyp.aspx Accessed May 31, 2012.
External Resources
Aboul Fotoh’s official page: http://www.abolfotoh.net/site.html
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=752755163
Presidential debate between Abol-Fotoh and Amr Moussa on May 10, 2012: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrbkI1fkZFM&feature=related
Twitter account: @DrAbolfotoh
Youtube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/abolfotoh
