Muslim Brotherhood's Alleged Influence in Ireland and Europe Draws Scrutiny

Recent discussions on social media, including a tweet by author and consultant Steve Faktor, have highlighted concerns regarding the alleged growing influence of the Muslim Brotherhood in Ireland and across Western nations. Faktor's tweet stated, "> How the Muslim Brotherhood is conquering Ireland (and increasingly, the West) from within." This assertion comes amidst ongoing debates and reports concerning the group's activities and networks in various European countries.

In Ireland, the Muslim Brotherhood has been noted for its historical links and purported influence within certain Islamic institutions. Early Muslim organizations in Ireland, particularly the Dublin Islamic Society, were reportedly influenced by Muslim Brotherhood members who sought asylum in Europe during the 1950s. The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI) in Clonskeagh, Dublin, has been a focal point of recent controversies, with claims of ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and issues regarding its management and representation of the broader Muslim community.

Reports from April 2025 indicated the temporary closure of the ICCI due to alleged mismanagement and concerns about links to the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization banned in several Arab states. The Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council criticized the ICCI's leadership for prioritizing "power over service" and for having "elements with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood." Imam Hussein Halawa, associated with the ICCI, has publicly denied being a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, though he stated in 2018, "I would not accuse the Muslim Brotherhood of being bad people."

Beyond Ireland, the Muslim Brotherhood's alleged presence and influence in Europe have been a subject of increasing scrutiny. Various reports suggest the group operates through a network of organizations, charities, and educational institutions, often under neutral names, to promote its ideology. Countries like France and Germany have seen discussions and official concerns raised about the Brotherhood's "entryism" into public bodies and its efforts to subtly embed Islamist ideals.

Organizations such as the Council of European Muslims (CEM) and the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) have been identified in some reports as having alleged links to the Muslim Brotherhood's network in Europe. While some analysts describe the European branches as adapting and becoming more moderate, critics argue they maintain a secretive nature and seek to exert disproportionate influence. These discussions highlight a complex landscape of integration, religious freedom, and concerns over ideological influence within European societies.