Media council permits only 50 religious scholars to issue ‘fatawa’

CAIRO – 15 November 2017: Makram Mohammed Ahmed, chairman of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR), said that the SCMR is responsible for the values, ethics and professionalism of the religious content being broadcast on media shows.

In a press conference at the SCMR headquarters, Ahmed clarified that SCMR will regulate religious discourse until legislation is issued to organize means of religious advisory in Egypt.

The SCMR chairman added that the SCMR will demand all media outlets to adhere to a list of 50 scholars authorized by Al-Azhar and Dar al-Iftaa to give religious advice in media.

He warned against any violation of the decision, stressing that “fatawa”, or religious edicts, should be issued by authentic preachers.

“According to the decision’s regulations, freedom of expression in religious issues is not included in the religious advisory activity,” Ahmed stressed.

“Yet it will be conditioned with awareness and commitment to moderation, and will avoid abusing other religions or using extremism,” he stated.
The SCMR clarified that punishments will include banning the violator from being hosted on media outlets.

A source from Al-Azhar clarified that the 50 scholars on the SCMR’s list are the only ones who have the right to give fatawa on media shows.