Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta: It's Everyone's Responsibility to Renew Religious Discourse

Egyptian Grand Mufti Shawki Allam. Reuters
Egyptian Grand Mufti Shawki Allam. Reuters
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Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta: It's Everyone's Responsibility to Renew Religious Discourse

Egyptian Grand Mufti Shawki Allam. Reuters
Egyptian Grand Mufti Shawki Allam. Reuters

Egypt's Dar al-Ifta has asserted that the renewal of religious discourse isn’t restricted to religious institutions in the country, stressing that it is everyone's responsibility.

Egyptian Grand Mufti Shawki Allam highlighted Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi call to renew religious discourse in 2014, saying it was an invitation to address contemporary issues.

Sisi stressed during the celebration of the birth of the Prophet last month that awareness and a correct understanding of religion is among the top priorities of the current stage.

Also, during the conference dubbed “Al-Azhar International Conference on Renovation of Islamic Thought”, the Egyptian president warned that procrastination over the issue would give the opportunity to those who claim knowledge to brainwash youth into adopting wrong religious beliefs and misconceptions.

A wise religious speech nourishes good qualities in people unlike hate speeches that lead to crises and methodological misconceptions, Allam added.

He also underscored the scientific approach in implementing the concepts and texts of the Quran and the prophet’s teaching, calling for a rational understanding of Islam.



Israeli Military Recovers Body of a Hostage in Gaza, Is Examining Identity of a Second Body

Palestinians inspect damaged residential buildings where two Israeli hostages were reportedly held before being rescued during an operation by Israeli security forces in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 12, 2024. (AP)
Palestinians inspect damaged residential buildings where two Israeli hostages were reportedly held before being rescued during an operation by Israeli security forces in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 12, 2024. (AP)
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Israeli Military Recovers Body of a Hostage in Gaza, Is Examining Identity of a Second Body

Palestinians inspect damaged residential buildings where two Israeli hostages were reportedly held before being rescued during an operation by Israeli security forces in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 12, 2024. (AP)
Palestinians inspect damaged residential buildings where two Israeli hostages were reportedly held before being rescued during an operation by Israeli security forces in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 12, 2024. (AP)

The Israeli military said Wednesday that troops have recovered the body of a hostage held in Gaza and were examining whether another body recovered was also that of a captive.

Earlier, Israel's defense minister said that troops recovered the bodies of two hostages.

The military said the body of Yosef Al Zaydani was brought to Israel on Tuesday after being discovered in an underground tunnel near the southern Gaza city of Rafah. It said troops uncovered information about Al Zaydani's son Hamzah that "raised serious concerns for his life."

Military spokesman Col. Nadav Shoshani said the military was looking into the identity of a second set of remains recovered.

Al Zaydani and his son were taken captive during Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7, 2023, among 250 hostages snatched by the group during its cross-border raid.

Israel believes a third of the remaining 100 hostages are dead.

The body's recovery comes as Israel and Hamas are considering a ceasefire deal that would free the hostages and halt the fighting in Gaza.

However, Yosef and Hamzah Al Zaydani were believed to still be alive and their return could ramp up the pressure on Israel to move ahead on a deal.

Yosef Al Zaydani's name was on a list of 34 hostages shared by a Hamas official with The Associated Press that the group said were slated for release.

Many families of hostages say the continuation of the war in Gaza puts the lives of the remaining hostages at risk. They have demanded throughout the conflict that Israel reaches a deal with Hamas to free their loved ones.