An international conference in Cairo set to discuss the impact of social media on religious rhetoric is scheduled to be held on Sep 9-10.
Egyptian Minister of Religious Endowments Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa affirmed on Saturday that the conference would address cooperation with cyberspace. Gomaa termed the current phase as ‘distinctive’ in the history of preaching and a new confrontation that is no less important or difficult than the first confrontation led by the ministry during the past years to liberate the mosques from extremist groups.
The Egyptian government carried out previous steps to control the minbars of mosques, where religious preaches are made. Egypt has banned unauthorized preachers from giving sermons or teaching Islam in mosques. The decree also threatened fines and jail for whoever would violate this.
The minister showcased during a meeting with the media committee of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs of the Ministry of Endowments, the preparations for the 34th international conference of the council.
The Middle East News Agency quoted Gomaa as saying that Sisi’s sponsorship of the conference is a major support to the moderate intellect on the international level.
He further added that artificial intelligence is essential and should be used in what serves humanity.
The conference would address several matters including the significance of cyberspace in the current time, the unconventional ways and their impact on religious rhetoric, electronic fatwa, online teaching and memorization, and the irrational use of cyberspace.
Gomaa affirmed that the Egyptian president backs the renewal of the religious rhetoric, noting that restless efforts were exerted to restore the mosques from extremist groups.
Earlier, Sisi stressed that among the current priorities is to establish a correct understanding of the religion.
In January, Sisi gave instructions to establish large mosques nationwide, belonging to the Ministry of Religious Endowments, to spread true religion.
He highlighted the need to select good locations for the new mosques and allocate appropriate spaces for them.
The president also issued instructions to increase the efficiency of the main mosques in all governorates.
