Political Islam has significantly shaped the geopolitical and cultural landscape in recent decades. However, the response from many leftists has often mirrored bourgeois and right-wing critiques, labelling various forms of political Islam as "Islamofascism" or "backward." A closer examination reveals these movements are not homogeneous; they express diverse interests at different times through combining religion and politics. In this discussion, our comrade Hossam el-Hamalawy will share his experiences organising in Egypt and offers a nuanced classification of political Islam, challenging simplistic interpretations and exploring its complex role.Hossam el-Hamalawy is an Egyptian journalist and photographer, currently based in Germany. He's been involved in organizing the 2011 uprising, and a longtime member with the Egyptian Revolutionary Socialists, our Egyptian sister-organisation.