In a move that sparked widespread controversy, the ousted Libyan mufti, Sadiq Al-Ghariani, appeared in a public meeting with the Dean of the Faculty of Law at Al-Qeib University, promoting what appears to be a new project to infiltrate the educational sector.

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Observers believe that this meeting was no coincidence, but part of a broader strategy by the Muslim Brotherhood to assert ideological dominance over the minds of the youth through educational and religious institutions—what some have described as the “turban of empowerment.”

The meeting between Al-Ghariani and the faculty dean aimed to explore cooperation with the Libyan Dar al-Ifta, headed by Al-Ghariani, despite his dismissal by parliamentary decision. The report notes that this is not merely a ceremonial encounter but should be understood within the context of a calculated re-entry by the Islamist movement into key state structures, especially those of education and religion, long used as tools to build a grassroots base and an ideological arm.

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Al-Ghariani is one of the most prominent religious figures known for adopting a hardline discourse in recent years, having issued fatwas inciting violence and legitimizing the influence of extremist groups. Despite his official dismissal, he continues to enjoy support from influential political factions, particularly the Dbeibah government, which previously issued Decision No. 709 to establish religious schools affiliated with Dar al-Ifta—an initiative seen as reinforcing Islamist control over the educational system.

Researcher Hisham El-Bakli warned in comments of the risks involved in such meetings, stating that Brotherhood-linked groups use such platforms to regain influence and expand their cultural and social control. He emphasized that this is part of a long-term plan to “occupy minds”, primarily targeting youth and students through a directed religious discourse, disseminated via curricula and institutions crafted with deliberate intent.

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Despite these intense efforts, on-the-ground indicators suggest a decline in the movement’s popularity among the Libyan public. Brotherhood-affiliated lists, backed by Dar al-Ifta, failed to achieve meaningful results in municipal elections in both Tajoura and Sabratha—a clear sign that their project has been exposed to public scrutiny.

Even with Al-Ghariani’s fatwas calling for electoral participation and directing voters, public support remained limited, confirming that religious legitimacy alone is no longer enough to carry the Brotherhood’s agenda forward.

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