Online Newsroom: Egypt News Archive
Mubarak Calls for Enlightened Religious Discourse
February 23, 2010
Ahmed el-Beheri
President Hosni Mubarak criticized conferences on inter-religious dialogue in other countries, saying that because such conferences take place "behind closed doors, they don't reach the hearts and minds of the public."
The president's comments were part of a speech given on his behalf by Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif at the inaugural session of the 22nd International Islamic Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, entitled "The Objectives of the Islamic Sharia and Contemporary Issues."
In his speech, Nazif mentioned several thoughts by President Mubarak on the subject of religious extremism and tolerance:
People from other religions misunderstand Islam, so Islamic scholars must double their efforts to promote the real image of Islam and Muslims;
The president renews calls for "an enlightened religious discourse based on tolerance and acceptance of others;”
Muslims are in need of an educational system and media outlets that embody these values;
Waves of fanaticism and extremism among youth hinder development efforts in the Islamic world and prevent Muslims from taking serious steps toward development and progress.
Egyptian Minister of Endowments Mahmoud Hamdi Zaqzoq attended the conference and said that all prejudice concerning Islam should be addressed. He criticized movements in the Islamic world that seek to instill false religious concepts among youth and push some of them to carry out foolish acts.
Pope Shenouda III, also present at the conference, focused his speech on the freedom of religion called for by Islam, citing a verse from the Quran that states that there should be no compulsion in religion. He also described religion as a private relationship between an individual and God.
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