Egypt: Words And Action Must Agree

In the 14 September 2006 issue of al-Ahram, the leading newspaper in Egypt, an article reported on the recent convention of religious leaders held in Kazakhstan. Egypt was represented by its Minister of Religious Endowment (Awqaf), Dr. Mahmoud Hamdy Zaqzooq. In his address to the convention, he stated:

"Islam had depended on religious and civilized dialogue since its inception, with the principle premise to collaborate and cooperate with the followers of other religions and civilizations." He pointed out that "this means--naturally--the recognition of other [religions] and their entitlement to essential rights, such as freedom of belief, and peaceful association without any discrimination."

The Minister added in his speech, representing the Egyptian Government to the convention which was held over a three day period in Kazakhstan:

"Islam is not satisfied merely with the recognition of other [religions], but [Islam] orders [its followers] to live and associate positively with them and to treat them with justice and equality. And that all this is for the purpose of establishing a human society that is endowed with security, peace and stability."

It goes without saying that these pronouncements are truly wonderful, righteous and just. It remains to be seen how these words will be applied into real action within the Egyptian society and not only during international conventions. The Baha'i case is a perfect example for such application, particularly when one examines the recent pronouncements by the same Ministry in the directive given to Mosque leaders around the country asking them to defame and attack the Baha'is during their Friday sermons as had been reported earlier in a post linked HERE. Also, another post regarding a book intended to attack the Baha'is and recently published under the direction of the Egyptian Ministry of Religious Endowment, can be reviewed HERE.