Is regulating fatwas solution to extremism in Egypt?
A parliamentary committee is currently reviewing a draft law that limits the issuance of fatwas to Al-Azhar and Dar Al-Ifta scholars and sheikhs, as a way to fight the spread of extremist thought.
CAIRO — On Dec. 20, the secretary of the Religious Committee at the Egyptian parliament, Omar Hamrouche, presented a draft law on regulating fatwas. The law will limit the issuing of religious edicts to senior scholars at Al-Azhar and Dar Al-Ifta and put an end to the numerous fatwas that incite violence and intolerance.
The draft law stipulates that those issuing fatwas without licenses from Al-Azhar and Dar Al-Ifta shall either be imprisoned for a period of no more than six months or pay a fine of no more than 2,000 Egyptian pounds ($110), or both. Should the violation be repeated, the perpetrator shall be imprisoned and pay a fine of no more than 5,000 Egyptian pounds ($274).
