Imam of Al-Azhar leads protest over cartoons

[Muslimah]

http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/EgyptOnline/Polit...00000005920.htm


Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Mohamad Sayyed Tantawi led Monday a protest by thousands of Al-Azhar University students against mocking Prophet Muhammad in a number of European newspapers. Egypt's Mufti Ali Gomaa, Awqaf (religious endowments) Minister Hamdi Zaqzouq and Al-Azhar University President Ahmed El-Tayyib took part in the demonstration.


Tantawi said boycotting the products of all countries which insulted Prophet Muhammad is a religious duty that should be followed by all Muslims.


The protesters raised banners supporting Prophet Muhammad and condemning any insults to the Prophet of Islam or other prophets.


Meanwhile, the Egyptian Shura Council condemned Monday February 7 such caricatures saying there was a clear-cut distinction between freedom of expression, and sacrilege.


The council further warned of grave consequences if such anti-religion campaign continued.


On the other hand, thousands of Danes staged Monday a peaceful march outside the offices of Jyllands-Posten newspaper, which first published anti-Prophet cartoons, expressing their sorrow over the caricatures. Danish demonstrators raised banners showing the peace sign and the word "apologies".