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| Africa North |
| EGYPTIAN MUFTI SLAMS TELE-PREACHERS |
| 2007-03-02 |
| (AKI) - The grand mufti of Egypt, Ali Gomaa, has lashed out at the so called tele-preachers who are growing in presence and popularity on Arabic satellite channels, with programmes in which they issue fatwa (religious edicts) and discuss religious issues. "They are not specialists" thundered Gomaa during another TV programme 'Beit Beitak', "and often issue fatwa that are in total conflict with those of the 'Dar al Ifta', which is the only body recognised (to do this)." The Dar al-Ifta is an officially recognised institution which is Egypt's supreme body for issuing religious edicts. “These characters are not authorised by anyone and often do not have sufficient understanding or competence to speak out on delicate issues like those they frequently discuss, adding to general confusion. What is more they consider themselves stars of the screen and will not accept criticism” he added. Gomaa repeated that the Dar al-Ifta is the only body authorised to issue fatwa and the only one recognised by the research council of the university of al-Azhar, considered the highest seat of Sunni learning. Regarding the recent fatwa issued by one of the Islamic televangelists – which said it was wrong for Muslims to use banks which also issue loans with interest, Gomaa commented. “The Dar al Ifta has been studying this argument for thirty years and after this have approved such operations as legitimate, on the basis of the Sharia (Islamic law).” Muslim televsion preachers are a relatively recent phenomenon but some of them have achieved unprecedented popularity across the Arab world. In particular Amr Khaled whose programme 'Treasures’ (of Islam) is aired on satellite television Iqraa, and seen from Cairo to Dubai to the Arabic communities in Europe. It has a strong following especially among the middle classes and among younger women, thanks also to the distinguished appearance and sober western dress – jacket and tie – which contrasts with the more religious conservative attire of traditional Muslim preachers. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #13 The Dar al-Ifta is an officially recognised institution which is Egypt's supreme body for issuing religious edicts. So look for the Bad Mosquekeeping Seal of Disapproval™, before buying. |
| Posted by: xbalanke 2007-03-02 16:51 |
| #12 Jim in all fairness Billy Graham is the real deal. The man has more Faith, humility and honesty than 99% of the people on the planet. Met him in person. Don't always like the man's politics but his depth (in Christ) is almost spooky. Missing from the story. "So come on down to our moon goddess mega mosque. Volunteers are needed, anti-aircraft gunmen are willing to play weddings in Afghanistan". |
| Posted by: Icerigger 2007-03-02 13:53 |
| #11 I wanted to add Rev Jesse Jackson, but even though he's nothing but an opportunist I think he's got more smarts than to go over to the "Mad Mullah's" home turf. Maybe if Michael Jackson asked politely (With a few kilobucks in hand, and a dozen or so ready cameras?) Hummmm. |
| Posted by: Redneck Jim 2007-03-02 12:16 |
| #10 |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2007-03-02 12:10 |
| #9 I assume Billy Graham is out of the question, How about Pat Robertson? Or The Bakers, I know Tammy Fae is out of the slammer,Or my personal favorite "The Reverend Ike"? None would be particularly missed. |
| Posted by: Redneck Jim 2007-03-02 12:05 |
| #8 Benny Hinn says he's going over to kick his ass... |
| Posted by: tu3031 2007-03-02 11:28 |
| #7 Do the tele-preachers in Egypt also have puffy, wavy hair? |
| Posted by: whatadeal 2007-03-02 11:06 |
| #6 All your zakat are belong to me. |
| Posted by: Seafarious 2007-03-02 09:21 |
| #5 Different suits. Sez so right in the article. |
| Posted by: Fred 2007-03-02 08:23 |
| #4 EGYPTIAN MUFTI SLAMS TELE-PREACHERS Did this on teevee, did he, and just how pray tell are you any different? |
| Posted by: Redneck Jim 2007-03-02 06:41 |
| #3 --“The Dar al Ifta has been studying this argument for thirty years and after this have approved such operations as legitimate, on the basis of the Sharia (Islamic law).” -- He who controls the cash........ |
| Posted by: anonymous2u 2007-03-02 02:29 |
| #2 --“The Dar al Ifta has been studying this argument for thirty years and after this have approved such operations as legitimate, on the basis of the Sharia (Islamic law).” -- He who controls the cash........ |
| Posted by: anonymous2u 2007-03-02 02:29 |
| #1 Send me $40 millions or the allen will need your youngest for martyr meat. Send your love offering now, RPG-7 rounds accepted. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2007-03-02 01:04 |