Egypt calls to purge Islam of extremism

Hopeful signs from Egypt: Al-Ahram reports that the Egyptian president has called for purging radical Islamism from religious discourse. And for the second year running, reports Elder of Ziyon, the annual Ramadan TV soap has depicted Jews in a positive light.


 President al-Sisi (photo: AFP)

"The Muslim world is going through a dangerous turning point and is facing unprecedented challenges targeting its existence and people, [and facing this] requires concerted efforts from all of us while putting all differences aside," El-Sisi said during a speech Wednesday.

El-Sisi warned against those exploiting sectarian or ethnic differences to cause division in the Muslim world.

The president made his remarks during a nationally televised address commemorating the anniversary of Laylat Al-Kadr (Night of Destiny), when Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.

The president also urged scholars from Egypt's Al-Azhar, the highest seat of Sunni Muslim learning, to rethink religious discourse and "purge it of flaws" that negatively affect Islam.

El-Sisi has more than once blamed outdated "religious discourse" for holding back Egypt and called for "a religious revolution" in Islam, saying that radicalized thinking has become a source of destruction for the rest of the world.

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Bravo and well said. This is what is needed and for many Muslims to stand behind such a course of action. As for too long there has been little to seperate Islamism.