The Popular Movement for the Independence of the Al-Azhar has criticized Shia leader Ahmed Rasim al-Nafis calling for celebrating Ashoura Day at the al-Hussein Mosque, describing it as a call for sectarian strife.
The movement said in a statement that Egypt would not sucumb to strange religious rites, yet called on the Ministry of Endowments to approve all religious celebrations as long as they abide to public morals.
The statement also said that the al-Hussein Mosque is a major shrine for Sunnis and should not be a place for sedition.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
