Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

Because religion is important to people, whether individuals or groups, it has become difficult and dangerous to limit religion and its explanation to one person or sect. This limitation implies a religious monopoly which is not only a mistake, but also a crime against religion and the people.

 

Tantāwī explains that religious media, including renowned and official religious institutions like the Azhar and the Church, continue to repeat that understanding religion and explaining it is limited to certain individuals or sects. They even use some religious figures to implement the idea that monopolizing religion is a right, and legal, in the minds of the people.

 

Tantāwī adds that this is a sin, since monopolizing religion and its understanding is an intentional usurping of people’s right to think and mediate religion. Religion is considered one of the most sacred and private issues in their lives. It is more serious to consider the Divine discourse, which was sent to all humanity equally, one that is limited to a special group of people whom everyone else should follow.

 

It should be said that this religious monopoly is the beginning of many other monopolies, political, economic, intellectual, and authoritative.

 

It is this religious monopoly that has made people lose their trust in themselves, and in their own ideas concerning religion.