The state-backed Dar Al-Ifta deemed the use of unregistered cell phone lines “haram” (forbidden by Islam), “so that they are not used for terrorist operations”, Dar Al-Iftaa said in a statement Thursday.
The statement, from the foremost religious authority for issuing fatwas (religious edicts) in the country, went on to clarify that all personal data must be specified and documented before buying a cell phone line.
According to the fatwa, “this comes in light of securing oneself and society”, which it referred to as an important aspect of Islamic law.
Meanwhile, activists have mocked the fatwa, with Dar Al-Iftaa being criticised as another arm of state control. The use of religious institutions to legitimise authoritative decisions has been demonstrated in the Al-Azhar Shiekh and the Coptic Pope’s support of President Al-Sisi and other state institutions.
Both religious figures have publicised their support for Egypt’s “war on terrorism”.
President AbdelFattah Al-Sisi has also repeatedly called for a “religious revolution”, which he believes will also be instrumental for “countering terrorism”.
