Ṣawt al-Ummah

After initially converting to Islam with the aid of Sheikh Abu Yehia, Iman requested that Abu Yehia take her back to her husband and children. It was later discovered that she had initially converted to Islam to marry a Muslim. Coptic activist Bolos Ramzy says the reason the case caused less controversy than that of Kamilia Shehata is because the Evangelical Church of Egypt and Al-Azhar are more liberal than the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.

Key Words: Sheikh Abu Yehia - Iman - Kamilia Shehata - Bolos Ramzy - Rev. Akhnoukh - Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria - The Azhar - Naglaa Mohamed Imam - The Evangelical Church of Egypt - Prophet Mohamed

In an interview with Sawt Al-Ummah, Naglaa Al-Imam, a Muslim woman who converted to Christianity, expressed confidence in winning a seat in the upcoming parliamentary elections. She also claimed that society does not disapprove of people converting to other religions in general, but only on Muslims converting to Christianity. She denied receiving protection from the State Security and stated that the Muslim Brotherhood welcomes her running for parliament.

Key Words: Naglaa Al-Imam - Muslim Brotherhood - Arab Democratic Nasserist Party - Mohamed Omda - The Church - Kamilia Shehata - Kamilia Zakher - Georgette Killeeny

In talks with the paper, the Muslim Brotherhood revealed two reasons behind its silence on the Kamilia Shehata crisis: out of fear of accusations of igniting sectarian strife and because the Kamilia case lacks sufficient evidence. The Muslim Brotherhood spokesman added that they refuse to involve themselves in issues that may cause sectarian strife.

Key Words: Muslim Brotherhood - Kamilia Shehata - Essam Al Erian - Mawas Monastery - Khalid Saeed - Mohamed Habeeb - Mohamed Ezzat

During a meeting with the Alexandria Judges at their club, Egyptian Mufti Dr. Ali Gomaa stated that new converts to Islam should be handed over to their former religion's authorities. As the statement seemed to cause dismay amongst the attendees, club head Ezzat Agwa decided to end the meeting before scheduled.

Key Words: Ali Gomaa - Kamilia Shehata - The Alexandria Judges - Prophet Mohamed - Ezzat Agwa - Mamdouh Ismail - Muslim Brotherhood - Abu Yehia

Editors Note:

After this summary was published, we received the following note from Dr. Ibrahim Negm, advisor to the Grand Mufti Sheikh Ali Gomaa:

"I am writing you in regards to your summary translation of the Sawt al-Ummah story about Dr. Ali Gomaa's involvement in handing Kamilia Shehata to the church. The Grand Mufti was reported to have allowed this, as Sawt al-Ummah alleges. I just want to draw your attention to the fact that the Grand Mufti never said anything of this sort and that this newspaper's claim about the Grand Mufti is a blatant lie that has no truth to it. Minutes after I read about this, I released a statement denying that the Sheikh said what the newspaper claimed he said. I request that you mention this on your esteemed website in order to give fair reporting to our side of the story. May Allah bless you for the work you do."

Three Coptic thinkers told the paper that the best way to resolve the Kamilia Shehata crisis and avoid sectarian violence is to keep all religious institutions away from the issue. They said that the constitution gives Egyptians the freedom to convert and that such cases are the business of the law and not religious institutions.

Key Words: Kamilia Shehata - Gamal Asaad - Wafā’ Costantine - The Coptic Church - Bolous Ramzy - Pope Shenouda III - Ishaak Hanna - Al-Tanweer Society (NGO) - The Azhar

This article outlines the struggle of desired Shūrá candidate Magi Tawadrus Armanius in his fight to be allowed to enter into elections.