Аннотация:Abstract The A rab S pring has reshaped the Islamist landscape in the M iddle E ast drastically. After decades of repression and exclusion, I slamist parties have taken power in E gypt, T unis, and M orocco. However, the startling rise of S alafism ( S alafiyya) remains the most visible feature of the new I slamist scene in the region. After decades of eschewing politics for theological and political reasons, S alafi movements and groups have rushed into electoral politics enthusiastically. They became keen to form political parties, contest elections, and vie for power. In E gypt, the S alafi parties fared well in the post‐revolution parliamentary elections and are a key player in drafting E gypt's new constitution. This article explores the rise of S alafism after M ubarak and examines its effects on the democratic transition in E gypt. It investigates the ideological and theological stance of S alafi movements and parties on politics and democracy in particular. The argument put forward is that the extraordinary political openness in E gypt after the revolution has pushed S alafis into everyday politics. Subsequently, S alafis have become more inclined to adopt a pragmatic and practical discourse. Based on field research, this article provides a thematic analysis of E gyptian S alafism and assesses its political future.
