Jordan Bans Muslim Brotherhood Activities and Closes Offices

Amman, Jordan – Jordan has officially banned all activities of the Muslim Brotherhood and ordered the closure of its offices across the kingdom on April 23, 2025, as announced by Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya. The decision, driven by security concerns, marks a significant escalation in the government’s crackdown on the influential Islamist movement, potentially reshaping the country’s political landscape.

Details of the Ban

Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya stated that any activities linked to the Muslim Brotherhood would now be considered a violation of Jordanian law, with immediate effect. The ban extends to closing all offices associated with the group, including those operated in partnership with other organizations. Additionally, a committee has been formed to confiscate the group’s assets in accordance with judicial rulings. Promoting the Brotherhood’s ideology will also lead to criminal prosecution, signaling a comprehensive effort to dismantle its influence in Jordan, as reported by The National.

Historical Context of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan

Founded in Egypt in 1928, the Muslim Brotherhood is one of the Arab world’s most prominent Islamist movements. In Jordan, the group has operated legally for decades, enjoying widespread grassroots support, particularly in urban centers like Amman and Zarqa. Its political wing, the Islamic Action Front, has been a significant opposition force in the Jordanian parliament. However, relations between the government and the Brotherhood have grown increasingly strained in recent years, exacerbated by regional security concerns and the group’s perceived ties to external actors, according to Wilson Center.

Reasons Behind the Ban

The decision to ban the Muslim Brotherhood appears to be a direct response to heightened security threats. Earlier in April 2025, Jordanian authorities foiled a plot allegedly involving 16 Brotherhood members, who were reportedly trained and funded in Lebanon to carry out attacks using rockets and drones within the kingdom. This incident, coupled with longstanding concerns about the group’s activities and external affiliations—including alleged links to Hamas, Qatar, and Turkey—prompted the government to take decisive action, as detailed in Reuters.

Potential Domestic and Regional Implications

The ban is expected to generate significant repercussions both within Jordan and across the region. Domestically, it could lead to political unrest, given the Brotherhood’s substantial popular support, potentially sparking protests from its supporters. The move may also weaken the opposition, raising questions about the future of political pluralism in Jordan. Regionally, the decision could impact Jordan’s relations with countries like Egypt, which has long banned the Brotherhood, and Qatar, a known supporter of the group in certain contexts. While the ban may bolster Jordan’s image as a state committed to stability, it also risks deepening internal divisions, as noted in Al Jazeera.

Public Reaction and Broader Context

The announcement has sparked widespread discussion on platforms like X, with some praising the government’s focus on security, while others criticize the move as an attack on political freedoms. The ban aligns with a broader regional trend of cracking down on Islamist movements, as seen in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, which have all designated the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. However, Jordan’s decision stands out due to the group’s historical legitimacy and influence within the kingdom, making this a pivotal moment in its political history, according to BBC.

Looking Ahead

Jordan’s ban on the Muslim Brotherhood and the closure of its offices represent a turning point in the kingdom’s approach to Islamist movements. As the government navigates the fallout, the international community will closely monitor how this decision affects Jordan’s stability, its domestic political dynamics, and its role in the broader Middle East.

Stay updated on Jordan’s political developments and regional dynamics with our ongoing coverage.