Egypt’s New Grand Imam

Posted on August 18, 2012

2 Votes

Twice in one week, President Mohamed Morsi addressed Egyptians from a mosque. Each speech was more like a religious sermon than a political address. The following excerpts illustrate this point:

“Quran has everything for us, if we follow it, we would never need anything else.”
“God told us to rule people with what is ‘right’; not what they want.”
“it is the duty of everyone to advocate virtue.”
“God will accept your prayers only if you follow his order.”

For non-Islamists, it may look strange and puzzling to choose a place of worship as the site to address the public, particularly following his most significant political decision – dismissing top military command, Field Marshall Tantawi, among many other high rank army officers − but it is definitely a logical move, according to his Islamist grassroots supporters. With a state media under his control, Morsi’s aim was clearly to appeal to a wider section of Egyptian society. His target group is conservative Muslims who do not necessarily identify themselves as Islamists but who would be willing to listen to religious speeches because they have a natural affinity as “men of God.” To this group, Morsi delivered a clear unambiguous message: “I am a good man, and you should trust me.”

Some may argue that his is a benign, legitimate move aimed to inspire others and gain popularity. Indeed, he is not the first leader who has used religion to consolidate his vision; many world leaders have attended religious sermons, but I am not aware of any world leader that delivered his own religious sermon. Even in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Imam Khamenei is the supreme guide, and not the president.

What was particularly alarming about Morsi ‘s sermon was his interpretation of early Islam, the narratives reflected a man who believe in one “correct” interpretation of the Quran and Hadith, as the only way that could bring the success of the Umah (Islamic nation). The danger of this non-pluralistic vision should not be dismissed; Morsi is slowly paving the way to loyalty to one man and one vision policy. The hints of religious fatalism and emotional blackmail are also alarming − Morsi pointed out the responsibilities of Muslims to their society and emphasized their obligation to fulfill their Islamic duty before God can bless them with victory.

It was interesting to hear Morsi quoting Imam Ali: “People are four types: the knowledgeable who are aware of their knowledge, the knowledgeable who do not appreciate their knowledge, the ignorants who think they are knowledgeable, and the ignorants who admit their lack of knowledge.” Morsi, interestingly, highlighted that the third group is the most dangerous. Without trying to speculate his exact meaning, I rather put myself in the fourth category and asked the President some questions, and I sincerely hope he can give me clear answers. If Quran and Hadith are our “only” guides, then the following questions must be answered:

•How can the Quran guide us in solving Egypt’s crushing economic crisis? Do the Quran and the Prophet’s Hadith tell us the “correct” level of taxing, or the “correct” level of subsidy?

•What is the Quran’s stance on energy production? Which is the “correct” solar or nuclear energy? What is the “correct” path to address Cairo’s shantytowns, congestion, and transportation issues?

• What exactly is Morsi’s proof that his Nahda project is the “correct” project approved by God? Does God prefer an open market economy or a government controlled one? Is privatization in harmony with or against Islamic teaching?

It is not Morsi’s latest move toward the military establishment that bothers me; it is his religious rhetoric that I find deeply alarming. The overt hints in his speeches cannot be ignored, and the ramifications of it could be dangerous. Using religious text to justify his political moves is the first step toward a theocracy. Coupling faith with government policies is a risky move. Faith is designed to salvage our soul not to solve traffic congestion or stock market performance.

In my humble opinion, President Morsi must stop abusing places of worship for political gain. Did it not occur to him that frequent formal, live sermons in mosques could alienate Egypt’s Coptic community?

The president should serve as a figure for unity, not for dissent; he should bring people together, not push them apart. Needless to say, linking progression with piety is a dangerous move that can lead down a path toward hypocrisy, prejudice, and religious tyranny. Egypt elected a civil president, not a new grand Imam; the sooner President Morsi understands that, the better.