Destroying Unity

By Davide Morandini, *Muslim Brothers condemn destruction of shrines* - Bikya Masr - Cairo, Egypt; Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Several members of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) condemned the destruction of 20 Sufi shrines in different Egyptian towns. News of the destructions circulated on Saturday, the day after thousands of believers travelled to Cairo to celebrate a popular Sufi festival.

Attacks on shrines triggered public outrage, and demonstrations broke out in Alexandria where a procession of protesters walked through the city.

MB’s Executive Bureau member Abdel Rahman al-Barr claimed that although the shrines do not represent any religious value it was obligatory to at least respect the sacredness of those who have long died and are buried, reported the Brotherhood’s website, Ikhwanweb.

Salafist Muslims have often opposed Sufi religious practices, holding them as contradictory of the teachings of the Holy Quran. After the January 25 Revolution, attacks on shrines have reportedly increased.

“Such foolish actions and threats of further destruction are counter-productive and are against the spirit of our great Egyptian revolution,” wrote Khaled Hamza on the MB’s official website. “We strongly condemn such actions, which are clear attacks on government and public property, and violate the tolerant teachings of Islam.”

Following the attacks, Sufi leaders called on Sufi disciples to unite against “Salafi thuggery,” protecting shrines belonging to members of the Prophet’s family and preventing Salafis’ access to them.

Grand Mufti of Egypt Ali Gomaa praised a fatwa by the Islamic Research Complex that criminalizes the destruction of shrines, condemning such behavior for destroying the unity of Muslims.

The Supreme Council of Sufi Orders decided to institute a fact-finding committee that will investigate in the destructions of 20 shrines.

Two persons were already arrested in Qaliub on Thursday.