Zahi Hawass to Ahmed Karima: Your opinion applies to tomb robbers, not archaeologists

CAIRO – 19 January 2021: Renowned archaeologist Zahi Hawass commented on the opinion of Sheikh Ahmed Karima, professor of comparative jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University, that opening the graves of the Pharaohs is forbidden, and that it is forbidden to extract the bodies of our ancestors and display them in showcases in exchange for “a few dollars” from visitors.

In statements made to the press, Hawass explained that the opinion of Sheikh Ahmed Karima can be applied to thieves who tamper with graves and destroy mummies, but archaeologists work to immortalize these people, as they restore their coffins, graves and mummies, because the presence of these coffins inside the wells exposes them to decomposition and fragmentation.

Hawass reiterated that archaeologists are preserving those tombs and mummies, and that the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities will display the royal mummies in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

The renowned archaeologist added that this is not Karima's statement is not the first of its kind, as fatwas were previously made regarding this topic, which were solely intended for publicity and fame, because archaeologists “document, restore and preserve the mummies and coffins of these great Pharaos."

It is noteworthy that Ahmed Karima, professor of comparative jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University, said that opening graves is forbidden and the Prophet of Islam (SAW), forbade digging graves completely.