Early Life and Education
Mohamed Morsi was born on August 8, 1951, in Sharqia Governorate, Egypt. He grew up in a modest farming family and pursued education with determination. He studied engineering at Cairo University and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1975. Morsi later traveled to the United States, where he obtained a master’s degree in 1978 and a PhD in materials science from the University of Southern California in 1982. Morsi taught at California State University, Northridge, before returning to Egypt. He became a professor at Zagazig University, where he dedicated his career to academia and research before entering politics.
Entry into Politics
Morsi entered politics by joining the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s most organized Islamist movement. He quickly gained influence within the organization and became a strong advocate for Islamic governance. In 2000, he won a seat in Egypt’s parliament as an independent candidate because the Brotherhood remained officially banned at that time. He used his parliamentary role to challenge corruption, promote social justice, and voice opposition to the policies of then-President Hosni Mubarak. His speeches and leadership made him one of the Brotherhood’s most prominent figures.
Rise to the Presidency
After the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, Mubarak’s regime collapsed, and Egypt opened a new chapter of political freedom. The Muslim Brotherhood formed the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), and Morsi became its candidate for the 2012 presidential election. Morsi campaigned on promises of democracy, economic reforms, and social justice. Despite being considered a backup candidate for the Brotherhood, he advanced to the run-off against Ahmed Shafik, a former prime minister under Mubarak. Egyptians elected Morsi as the first democratically chosen president of Egypt in June 2012, marking a historic moment in the nation’s history.
Presidency and Leadership
As president, Morsi attempted to balance democratic reforms with Islamic principles. He promised to represent all Egyptians, but his administration faced immediate challenges, including economic decline, political polarization, and widespread protests. Morsi consolidated power when he issued a controversial constitutional declaration in November 2012 that placed his decisions above judicial review. Many Egyptians accused him of acting like a dictator, while his supporters defended the move as necessary to protect the revolution. His government drafted a new constitution that opposition groups criticized as favoring Islamist interests. Street protests grew, and clashes between supporters and opponents of Morsi shook the country.
Downfall and Removal
By mid-2013, millions of Egyptians demanded Morsi’s resignation. The opposition accused him of failing to deliver on promises of reform, ignoring diverse voices, and dividing the nation. The military, led by General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, intervened. On July 3, 2013, the military removed Morsi from power and suspended the constitution. Security forces placed him under arrest, and he faced trials on charges ranging from espionage to incitement of violence. His ouster marked a dramatic shift in Egypt’s political landscape, as the military once again asserted control.
Imprisonment and Death
Morsi spent the final years of his life in prison, often appearing in court in a cage. He denied all charges and declared himself Egypt’s legitimate president. Human rights organizations criticized his treatment in detention, citing poor medical care and isolation. On June 17, 2019, Morsi collapsed during a court session in Cairo and died at the age of 67. His death raised international concerns about the conditions of his imprisonment and the broader crackdown on political opposition in Egypt.
Legacy
Egyptians remember Mohamed Morsi as a deeply divisive figure. Supporters see him as a symbol of democratic change and the first freely elected leader in Egypt’s history. Critics, however, view his rule as a failed experiment that deepened political and social divisions. Despite his short presidency, Morsi’s rise and fall highlighted the struggle between democracy, authoritarianism, and political Islam in modern Egypt. His story continues to shape debates about governance, freedom, and justice in the Arab world.