El-Helbawy joined the banned Muslim Brotherhood Movement in the 1950s, of which he became one of its prominent members. A resident of London for decades he became the Brotherhood's official spokesman in the West. We recall some of his travels such as in 1988 he was sent on behalf of the Muslim Brotherhood to Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion to coordinate with Afghani fighters in the fight against the Russian invaders.
On 31st March 2012, El-Helbawy announced his resignation from the Brotherhood in opposition to the nomination of its leading figure Khairat El-Shatar as a presidential candidate in the 2012 race. After his resignation he became one of the most outspoken critics of the group in Egypt.
He was also a member of the committee tasked with drafting the 2014 constitution, the current constitution of Egypt. El-Helbawy was elected deputy head of the committee in September 2013.
His political activity in Egypt is known for his writings and opinions on Islam, current affairs, modern times and the West. His strong Islamic activism in Europe has contributed to the creation of several Islamic organizations, including the Muslim Association of Great Britain in 1997.
Editorial