MR. TALIB AL-RIFAI’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO ISLAMIC POLITICAL ACTIVISM BEFORE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ISLAMIC DA‘WA PARTY

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Mr. Talib Al-Rifai embarked on his political journey at an early stage, engaging in Islamic activism at the age of twenty-two in 1953. During this period, he established strong connections with numerous figures and members affiliated with Sunni Islamic parties, which expanded his sphere of influence and social network. Despite his close interaction with these organizations, he was careful to maintain his independence and avoided formal affiliation with any specific party or organized movement.

Al-Rifai distinguished himself by his ability to engage with diverse Islamic currents while maintaining his intellectual independence, which provided him with significant flexibility and enabled him to cultivate a broad network of relationships. He was known for preferring to operate within a flexible framework, away from rigid party structures, which enhanced his stature and positioned him as an influential figure beyond conventional organizational boundaries.

Although he never officially joined any political organization, his strong ties with leading figures of Sunni Islamic activism made him a significant actor within the broader political landscape. He effectively utilized this extensive network to promote his ideas and advance his causes without being constrained by partisan affiliations. In this way, he succeeded in combining adaptability with steadfast commitment to his principles—earning him wide respect among his contemporaries. ⁽¹⁾