Syed Qutb was an Egyptian Islamic thinker, writer, and activist born in 1906. He is best known for his influential works on Islamic philosophy and his role in the Muslim Brotherhood, a prominent Islamic organization in Egypt. Qutb's writings emphasized the need for a return to a pure form of Islam and critiqued Western influence on Muslim societies. His most famous work, Milestones, outlines his vision for an Islamic society and critiques secularism. Qutb's ideas have had a lasting impact on Islamic thought and have influenced various Islamist movements around the world, making him a significant figure in modern Islamic discourse.