(DNE Photo)
By Deena Wahba
The Islamic educational institution Dar Al-Ifta has issued a religious opinion acknowledging the legitimacy of peaceful protest and has called on Al-Azhar to give support to nonviolence.
The organisation, which issues religious opinions based on Shari’a, released a statement on Monday saying peaceful protests should not infringe on private or public property rights, the function of state institutions or the interests of citizens.
The Islamic authority emphasised the “sanctity of human life”, calling on Al-Azhar University to issue a document renouncing violence and stressing the role of the state to protect its citizens.
The Dar Al-Ifta statement said such a document should outline values agreed upon between political parties, adding that Al-Azhar has always been a guardian for all Egyptians during times of crises.
The statement called on political groups to uphold the interest of the state over narrow partisan interests, adding that while politics is about differing opinions, the measure of a nation is how it manages these differences.
Dar Al-Ifta also called on the press to objectively and accurately report the news, adding that every word printed and broadcasted will be “judged by God.”
The announcement was made in light of protests planned for 30 June by the Tamarod movement against President Mohamed Morsi.
