WATANI Sunday
Published by
Watani Printing
and Publishing Corporation 20 November 2005
27, Abdel Khaleq Tharwat st. Editor-in-chief Managing Editor 11 Hatour 1722
Cairo – Egypt 18 Shawwal 1426
Tel. 202-3927201, 202-3936051 Youssef Sidhom Samia Sidhom
Fax 202-3935946 YEAR 5
Website: www.watani.com.eg ISSUE 249
E-Mail: watanie@watani.com.eg
Editorial
Elections Religion as politics
In Washington Magdy Malak
The outcome of the first stage of the three-stage par- As Islamists contested the elections under Hany Danial No mandate
liamentary elections was in many ways unexpected. the motto "Yes, Islam is the answer", many in Mr Saad Hagras, chief editor of the Cairo
Out of 164 seats contested in the first round, the ruling the Egyptian political arena found the move daily al-Alam al-Yom (The World Today), said
Youssef Sidhom National Democratic Party (NDP) secured 112 seats, disturbing. Involving religion in public and political that the absence of substantial politicians and the
the Muslim Brotherhood 34, and the independents issues is dangerous practice, since it is impossible to emergence of the religious tide under the loose control
I write this from Washington as I attend the conference on five. The national front formed by the opposition rationalise with people whose arguments are based on of the State had created a large gap in the political
"Supporting democratic change for Muslims and Christians parties won five seats. Worth noting is that the religious belief. According to prominent columnist Mr arena. To lessen that gap, he said, it was necessary to
in Egypt", which has been the cause of so much tempestuous Brotherhood had 17 seats in the last Parliament. Voter Makram Mohamed Ahmed, no matter how ambiguous abolish the second clause of the Egyptian Constitution,
debate even before it convened. A vicious media campaign turnout was 24 per cent. The second stage will be these arguments may be, they are founded upon abso- which stipulated that sharia, or Islamic legislation, was
targeted this conference, in a futile attempt to cast malicious contested today in nine governorates and the third on lute concepts which cannot be debated. The result is the main source of legislation. At the same time, he
doubts upon its intentions, political leanings, sources of the first of December in another nine. that the perpetrators of such thoughts become immune said, it was necessary to encourage the moderate tides
finance, and even the patriotism of the participants. None- Al-Tagammu leftist party issued a statement dec- to opposition, and therefore easily impose their atti- which call for the equality of all Egyptians in rights and
theless, some 200 Muslim and Christian Egyptians from laring that transparent ballot boxes, NGO monitoring, tudes on others. duties. The demands of the religious movements should
inside and outside Egypt took part, in addition to several complete judicial supervision and marking the voters’ not be met, he warned, other wise the State would have
Europeans and Americans. fingers with non-erasable ink to prevent multiple vot- Stability compromised agreed to promoting a culture of violence and mono-
Worth noting is that despite the censure and allegations of ing by the same voter were positive indications. The In a seminar on the problems facing democratic dimensional vision.
treachery hurled at the conference by some in the Egyptian elections never-theless were marred by many irreg- change, held jointly by the International Centre for
press, the moderates in the Egyptian media and the Arab ularities, the statement added, including errors in Future Studies and the al-Ahram Centre for Political Lack of harmony
satellite channels granted the conference balanced, fair voting lists, acts of thuggery and violence, and and Strategic Studies, Mr Ahmed said that no example Tanta University professor of law Dr Mustafa Afifi
coverage. This served to highlight the causes tackled by the campaign financing in excess of the LE70,000 limit proved the point better than that of the Muslim criticised the lack of harmony between rights and
conference and the ambitions of the participants as regards stipulated. NGOs reported violations such as the lack Brotherhood movement. liberties in the Egyptian Constitution. He pointed out
democratic change, political reform, and full citizenship of non-erasable ink in many polling stations and The Muslim Brothers, Mr Ahmed said, claim the that there were more than 12 constitutional articles that
rights for all Muslim and Christian Egyptians. irregularities in electoral lists. The report issued by right to establish a religious Party, but do not present a required immediate modification. Some of them were
True, the conference heard several angry, bitter voices that the Civil Society Elections Monitoring Observatory real programme or vision on national issues, claiming already obsolete.
had lost all hope of change or reform. But reciprocal voices registered the intimidation of voters and the buying simply that ‘Islam is the answer’ and the ‘Qur’an is The real role of Parliament, he said, is to submit draft
rose carrying a strong, sensible, rational message of hope, of votes in several constituencies. Votes were bought our Constitution’. If the establishment of an Islamic laws and to adjust the Constitution, not to serve private
and calling for urgent participation in all reforms on all at up to LE1000 each. It was reported that, in some religious party were approved, he said, a Coptic rel- or special group interests as was the case with 95 per
fronts. constituencies, NDP supporters voted more than igious party might naturally follow, and the political cent of all draft laws submitted. He demanded parlia-
Until this article went to press, the final resolutions of the once. struggle would be transformed into a religious one. mentary control on the performance of the government
conference had not yet been drawn. But if matters proceed in Observers commented on the weak popular support This, he warned, would surely result in sectarian and the elected president, and the introduction of a law
the direction and spirit of the convictions according to which for political parties including the NDP, a situation conflict, and the stability and security of Egypt would which would grant citizens the right to dismiss elected
I personally joined the conference, the final resolutions which requires rethinking the current political situa- be compromised. MPs who do not live up to their role. Moreover the pres-
should read much like the following: tion to drive Egyptians towards wider political Mr Ahmed stressed the need for overall political ident himself should be questioned or even relieved of
• Supporting the policies of change and modernisation in participation. reform and the empowerment of political parties. his duties if he did not commit to his electoral promises.
Egypt and the Arab region, and the implementation of
these policies through cooperation between the respective
regimes and institutions, with the objective of attaining
the people’s ambitions of democracy, human rights, and
development. Egyptian schoolchildren’s health
• The will and hard work of the people and the ruling re-
gimes involved is prerequisite to achieve the hoped-for
results. Respect of the international codes of human
rights and supporting citizens’ well-being is mandatory
for the achievement of reform, democracy, and develop-
ment.
• Supporting all preliminary, peaceful, stepped-up action
towards consolidating the rights of marginalised com-
munities, compensating them for historical injustice, and
enabling them to actively participate in reform.
• Upholding citizenship rights as the basis for equality bet-
ween all partners in the homeland. This stipulates the
protection of rights and the respect of ethnic, linguistic,
religious and cultural diversity within the national group,
as a source of communal wealth and power.
• Absolute separation of religion and State, stressing the
civic nature of State institutions.
• Issuing a unified law for building places of worship, to
found full equality between Egyptians in this regard.
• Ensuring freedom of worship and practice of religious
rights, and providing the necessary protection for places
of worship, with harsher penalties against violators.
• Abolishing all indications of religious identity in official
papers, except when deemed necessary by law in civic
affairs.
• Putting an end to the Coptic file as a security issue, and
curtailing the role of the State security apparatus in this
regard. This should confirm that all Egyptians are equal
under the civil law.
• Following an interim correctional policy to remedy the
marginalisation of Copts—as in the case of women and
young people—modeled after the affirmative distinction
accorded to peasants and workers by granting them 50 per
cent of Parliament seats. Copts could be granted a 10 – 15
per cent proportion of seats in the Parliament, local
councils, leadership posts and top positions in the State,
in order to consolidate equality and participation on the
groudwork of common citizenship.
• The warm, age-old relationship between Egypt’s Muslims
and Copts appears to be disintegrating. Subsequent
governments are not alone responsible for this, but a com-
munal build-up of mutual bitterness throughout the past
half-century, which led to a retreat from common exis-
tence and citizenship. With this realisation, participants in
this conference call upon all NGOs to revitalise common
activities between Muslims and Copts, to overcome the
alienation and disassociation that separates them.
Alarm call!
The sight of young children being accompanied to school in the Laila al-Hinnawy eating habits. This proves how poor are the conditions of Egyptian
• Participants in this conference call upon the Egyptian early morning by caring parents always brings to my mind the schoolchildren’s health, and how badly they are in need of a
leadership, government, political parties, and civil society treasured memories of my own children and my journey to school. complete, healthy diet with all nutritional components to acquire
institutions to hold a convention on citizenship rights on Later, as a young mother, I would see my two children to the school gate every good health and a strong build.
the land of Egypt as the natural venue for national dial- day, sometimes carrying their heavy school bags. I did not stop doing this until In an attempt to help anaemic students, a nutritive meal was to be distributed
ogue. Systems should be put in place to monitor citizen- each of them reached the age of 13, and it is a memory I still cherish. to students, but the ‘meal’ proved to be merely a biscuit or a cake, and soon
ship rights indicators and allow immediate action once I recalled all this when I read an article on the children of today and the youth cases of food poisoning began to occur.
violations are spotted. of tomorrow. It said that, according to a recent study conducted by the National How and why our children are suffering from the most common adult disease
Will the conference come up with such a document? And Research Centre, 13 per cent of all children suffered from hypertension. The of our age is an issue that calls for research and a resolution. School health
will it be understood and accepted in Egypt as a motive force research, directed at 1,618 school children belonging to the age group 12 to 16, authorities and insurance should take appropriate steps to treat malnourished
towards national dialogue? Many of the participants in the also showed that 45 per cent of these children were overweight. Research children, and should seriously consider preventive action. After all, what could
Washington conference have pledged to that. This is what I conducted a few years ago in public schools showed some 30 per cent of the be more important than the health of our children?
hope for, and what will be finally resolved today. students were anaemic. If we aim to shape the brains and behaviour of the youth of tomorrow, we
In most cases, anaemia and obesity are both caused by poverty and poor should start with the fine tuning of our children’s bodies.
Egyptian exchange Antiquities, Helwan Observatory will resume five-day event included contestants from Mediterranean fare
N At its annual meeting in India, the world
Federation of Exchanges decided to accept
its three-year mission of aerial survey of
Kharga Oases in the Western Desert, to de-
Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria
and Tunisia. The Syrian team finished
Since last Sunday and until next Thursday, Alexandria is hosting
the Festival Méditerranéen d’Alexandrie (The Alexandria Med-
Egypt as a full member. Egypt is the first termine archaeological sites around Al- second with three gold, three silver and 11 iterranean Festival), organised by ECUME (Echanges Culturels en
E Arab country to join the federation which
includes some 54 stock exchanges including
Zaiyan temple in Polaq district. A similar
field study was carried out before to locate
bronze; and the Jordanian team third with
two silver and four bronze medals. And last
Méditerranée) and sponsored by Alexandria governorate and the
Egyptian culture ministry. The 12-day event includes a cinema
those of New York, Nassau and London. underground water around Hebes Temple in Sunday, Egyptian Mohamed al-Hamami evening in which the French film Les Egarés and the Spanish
W Goat milk for autism
the New Valley. beat 16,000 runners to the first place in the
Beirout international marathon.
Manolito Gafotas will be screened, and a photography exhibition
on the city of Alexandria. The German Blumentopf top-listed rap
A study conducted at Cairo’s Ain Shams Golden overhaul band is performing, as well as the Thessalonian Ensemble Poly-
S University indicated that goat and camel The World Gold Council has, in coop- Pan-Orthodox phonie which presents Greek-inspired works of—among oth-
milk, together with corn bread regular in- eration with the EU initiated a short-term In an event which may be the first of its ers—Debussy and Rameau, and the Spanish Saetas flamencas
take helps cure autism, a childhood disorder plan to develop the gold industry in Egypt. kind—but hopefully not the last—choirs which sings traditional Andalusian hymns for the holy Virgin,
characterised by withdrawal, cognitive def-
L icits, and language disorders. Dr Mohamed
The council’s consultant in Egypt Samah
Nabil said the country’s gold industry need-
from the Armenian, Coptic, and Greek Or-
thodox churches in Alexandria will join in a
with long plaintive notes that draw on different sources of local
musical tradition. From Egypt, a five-woman ensemble of gyp-
Baraka, head of the Language Disorders ed a complete overhaul, and the European performance at St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox sies from the Nile Delta presents the "Chants de Passage" or
Unit said these milks contained enzymes Union will provide the technical support. Cathedral in Alexandria next Friday. The Songs in Passing. Gypsy singers have always been very popular
I which helped stimulate cognitive and men- meeting will honour the launching of a in Egypt’s villages, especially during weddings and feast days,
tal ability in children. Medals for Egypt new book on the Coptic Orthodox Church and are famous for their traditional melodies of Egyptian, Bed-
The Egyptian national team came top with written by Swiss laywoman Christine ouin, and African origin. Finally the Ensemble ECUME, con-
N Dig there 12 gold medals and 19 silver at the seventh Chaillot, who has already published books ducted by the Egyptian Gihad Daoud and formed of musicians
In collaboration with the Technology In- Arab finswimming championship which on the Ethiopian, Syrian, and Indian Mal- from all Mediterranean countries, is playing works as varied as
stitute in Tokyo and the Supreme Council for closed last Monday in Aqaba, Jordan. The ankara Orthodox churches. Vivaldi’s La Tempesta di Mare and Ramez Sabri’s Coptic Lines.
E
Coptophile column, Dialogue between parents and teenagers (p2); Violence evrywhere: In the West, France, and Egypt; (p3); Mar-Mina’s centenary, Heavenly melodies (p4)
20.
2 Watani International 20 November 2005
The Coptophile Column Macquarie University, Sydney,
Australia: International Scholarship
Verses, Salman Rushdie, when the posed the impotence of American
By John H. Watson knight of the realm stated that “Death
is perhaps too easy” for him.
civilisation. We saw Palestinians
dance in the street on our television
in Coptic Studies
It can be no surprise to daily read- A similar organisation to screens. In Great Britain and Europe
Macquarie University is pleased to covers international tuition fees for via the websites and via the elec-
ers of the British Press and habitual Sacranie’s MCB is the hard-line the celebrations had to be indoors but
offer a scholarship for Interna- study in the M.A. in Coptic Studies tronic reserve of Macquarie Uni-
observers of UK television pro- Muslim Association of Britain led they were just as real.
tional Students to study online in degree (total value: AUS$ 18,400). versity Library. The assignments
grammes that rigorous criticism is Dr. Azzam Tamimi. He was chal-
the Master of Arts program in Coptic Studies are offered by and essays are submitted, marked
regularly applied to Muslim leaders. lenged by the BBC with the ques- How has Britain chosen to deal
Coptic Studies. Macquarie University as an inde- and returned electronically.
All British journalists and camera- tion, “You are an apologist for ter- with Terrorism? How to understand
The scholarship aims at attract- pendent M.A. degree by Closing date for application for
men dip into the muddy waters of rorism, aren’t you?” Dr. Tamimi re- the depraved destruction of 9/11 in
New York 2001; the Bali bombings ing an outstanding student from coursework. This degree is unique Semester 1, 2006 (to start in the
religion and politics, not least those plied, “If you want to consider me
of so many Australian young- around the world to the study of in that it can be completed entirely degree on March 1, 2006) is Decem-
who are conscious of by online study. Course materials,
sters in Indonesia; the Madrid Egyptian Christianity and the ber 15, 2005.
interfaith dialogue, though including lectures and lecture
train bombings in Spain; the Coptic language. It is awarded on Complete information at:
the word dialogue is more notes, are delivered to the students
Beslan children’s massacre by the basis of academic merit and www.anchist.mq.edu.au
often an illusion than a real-
ity. Islamic terrorists and by
Dr. Zaki Bedawi, a promi- Vladimir Khodov, a Russian
nent Egyptian scholar from
Al-Azhar As-Sharif, who
convert to Islam, in Ossetia;
the July 7 carnage by Muslim Stop Acting like Enemies
can be very rude and aggres- suicide bombers in London?
sive in his response to any
questions from normal
Violence and destruction are
at the heart of all religions.
Have an Open Dialogue with Your Parents
members of the public, as
opposed to his reactions to
But the public roll of religious
terrorists would be too long: or Your Teenagers
important church figures or the Hindu BJP in India, the
politicians, is Principal of Ulster Protestants of Northern “Yes. I will.” Teenager said. With open dialogues, the parents
Ireland, the Tamil Tigers in Sri
By Shirin B. Kestin “I am your father and you have to and the teenagers learn more things
the justifiably renowned
Muslim College in Britain. Lanka, the IRA, Al-Qaeda, listen to me.” Parent yelled. about each other and in turn, build
and Hamas. The list would go It is important for parents and their “No, I don’t care.” Teenager yelled. trust among each other. The earlier
Bedawi was knighted as
on forever, because those who children to have an open dialogue “I am not a child and I can do what- they start to have open dialogues with
an honorary ‘Sir’ by Prime
call themselves ‘religious’ with each other. An honest one, at ever I want.” each other, the sooner it would be for
Minster Blair but has been that. Parents, when you talk to your
banned in the United States have tragically forced all in- An open dialogue that builds trust them to trust each other.
nocent religions into the role teenage children as if they were two sounds like two close friends talking Have that open conversation with
of America because he is years old, it makes it harder for them
well known for his radical of messengers of hatred. together, where they ask each other your relative like you do with your
to want to share their lives with you. questions in order to understand each friend. Be good friends with your
views. In Britain religious And, teenagers, when you talk to
extremists are prominent Although it would be false other. It would go something like this: teenagers and trust them. Be good
your parents like they are your en- “I do not think you should talk to friends with your parents and trust
and at times even welcomed to say that deception has a
emies, it makes it harder for them to this person.” Parent says. them.
by the Archbishop of Can- central role in any faith sys-
share their lives with you. “Why not? He is important to me.”
terbury and the Cardinal tem, it would most certainly I know by experience and by
be true to note that all faith Teenager says.
Archbishop of Westminster. watching other people, that when
systems have establishments “How come this person is impor-
Both church leaders have parents and their children talk to each
The recently knighted immigrant Sir Iqbal that have the powers of mis- tant to you?” Parent says.
appeared with Dr. Badawi other in an open dialogue, they can “Because he was there for me when
on the television. Sacranie is Secretary-General of the Muslim representation and propa-
Council of Britain. get along. They can trust each other. I broke my leg playing soccer.” Teen-
ganda. Committees, Assem- This is especially true for us Coptic ager says.
In a topical BBC Pano- blies, Associations and Insti- Youths. We come from a different “Yes. That was nice of him. I am
rama programme entitled “A Ques- tutions are all too often the world, really. Our parents were just worried about his smoking hab-
tion of Leadership” a principal par- so, that’s up to you.” bearers of duplicity. raised in Egypt. We are raised here. its. I don’t want him to hurt you.”
ticipant in the line-up was the re- Even Iqbal Sacranie found himself It was the new Pope Benedict XVI What can we do without our parents’ Parent says.
cently knighted immigrant Sir Iqbal unwilling to deplore any kind of Is- – formerly Cardinal Joseph understanding of what goes on in our “Yes. Thank you for worrying. His
Sacranie, who is well known for not lamic terrorism when it came to at- Ratzinger, the leader of the Congre- lives? What can one, Coptic or not, friend did try to offer some to me but
replying to any correspondence tacks upon the government of Israel. gation for the Doctrine of the Faith do without their parents? It is a mis- my friend knew how I felt about
from normal citizens. Of course, After the brutal murder of Sheikh (previously known as the Inquisi- take to think that you don’t need your smoking, so he told his friend to leave
Sacranie races to reply to major pub- Yassin by the Israeli government and tion) - who told the French newspa- father or your mother. You may not me alone.” Teenager says. Shirin B. Kestin was born in
lic figures. Sir Jonathan Sachs the its military forces, it could be no sur- per Le Figaro that Turkey should not feel like you need them at the mo- And so on. Cairo and moved to America
Chief Rabbi in Britain was knighted prise that Sacranie chose to attend a be admitted to the European Com- ment, when you are so busy with In this open dialogue, both the par- when she was four. She gradu-
recently and it was essential to make memorial service for the Sheikh munity because European identity school and work. But you will real- ent and the teenager are trying to un- ated from Hamline Law School
a Jewish-Muslim trade-off by ap- even though Yassin was the famed should be protected from the dangers ize that you do need them as soon as derstand the other person’s point of in Minnesota, specializing in
pointing Sir Iqbal Sacranie a knight. spiritual and ideological leader of of Muslim influence. you go out in the world on your own. view. They speak to each other like Alternative Dispute Resolu-
Sacranie is Secre- Hamas, the Pal- There are also Christian preachers I stayed home with my parents close friends do. When the open dia- tion. Currently she serves the
tary-General of the estinian organi- who describe Islam in negative while I went to college. I had to logue is used, both people find out Church, writes children’s books
Muslim Council of In Britain Muslim ex- sation that had terms. Islamophobia has become a leave my home (and my state) to go new things that they might never have and a column for El-Horeya,
Britain (MCB) but tremists are welcomed recruited nu- great danger since 9/11 and other re- to law school. I thought I did not known about if they never talked. The and with her husband, raises
very many young by the Archbishop of merous suicide lated events. need my parents, but as soon as I fin- teenager here now understands that her young son, and eagerly
British-born Mus- bombers. In Christians should help Muslims to ished enjoying my freedom, I real- the parent is worried about bad influ- awaits the birth of their second
lims appearing on
Canterbury and the S a c r a n i e ’ s ask, as many of them are already do- ized that I needed them. And I was ences; the parent is not necessarily
Cardinal Archbishop of child. Shirin’s experiences
television them- words, “Those ing, why Islam is increasingly being glad that we had a good, open rela- telling his teenager to never ever talk across the United States help
selves declared that Westminster. Both who fight op- judged by terrorist acts. Feelings of tionship with each other. It made life to the friend. The teenager now trusts her bring together her Coptic
Sacranie and his church leaders have ap- pression cannot fear and cynicism dominate our easier for me - being alone in another the parent. Also, the parent here now heritage with the American
council did not rep- peared on TV with Dr. be termed a ter- planet. state - knowing that I can call up my understands that his teenager was Culture. This perspective in-
resent them at all. Of rorist, they are parents and vent about my friends, tempted with smoking before and was forms much of her writing and
Zaki Badawi who is classmates, teachers, and so on. It
course the MCB freedom fight- It is the individual people of Faith able overcome that temptation. The her life.
banned in the USA be- ers.” not the institutions who are the in- also made it easier for me to talk to father now trusts the teenager.
does not represent
Muslims in the cause of his radical It is clear that nocent and benevolent bearers of au- them about a man I met. They were
United Kingdom, views. such a judg- thentic unsullied religion. Mosques, open to hearing who he was because
my parents and I had established a
but it does, like ment would synagogues, churches and temples
need the closest were once havens of rest in which trusting relationship before I left
A Eulogy in Memory of
many Christian or-
ganisations and institutions, repre- examination from Palestinian Chris- the voices of faith spoke of peace and them and continued that relationship
sent itself and its self-regarding, tians too. But it is not only ordinary, reconciliation. The addresses of afterward.
This man that I met is now my
Mina Yanney, Randolf
self-serving image. Sacranie is most honest, unpretentious Christians, imams, rabbis, priests and monks
famous for his offensive comments Muslims and Jews who might step were once warm entreaties for a
about the author of The Satanic across the borders of Europe and moral order, an ethical existence, the
husband. They may or may not have
been too thrilled that he was not who
Yanney, and Nahel Elmiry
witness the realities of Auschwitz ground of faith, the mystery of Be- they had in mind for a husband for Who beckon to us from Heaven
Concentration Camp in Poland and ing and the beauty of holiness. But their daughter, but they sure were
Watani International the Srebrenica Massacre Site in hatred and terrorism have become an open to meet him. They were open
to meet him because they trusted me. By Fayek M. Ishak
Bosnia, it is the pretentious, arrogant extremist enterprise – murderous Or-
Page 2 Editor leadership of thodox Christians in And they trusted me because I
trusted them. Be mindful, O Lord! of those departed souls
Saad Michael Saad interfaith parties Srebrenica, where
Parents, you will have to deal with
who may possibly thousands of Mus- Untimely reaped among scythe’s hauls
Perhaps our future your teenager meeting other people
Page 3 Editor affect to act as if lims died, and le- Leaving us in an astounding state of aghast!
ought to lie in caring gions of murderers
who may not meet your specific cri-
they would wish to To be snatched suddenly; so abrupt, so fast!
Adel Guindy think about ‘the for the rights that are who have smeared
teria, even people who are friends
common to us all, they hang out with. You may not
Other’ though there the name of Islam With squeezed hearts so deplorably sinking
agree with who they meet, who they
Subscriptions is in reality no cou- and in really trying and its image.
hang out with, but if you push back
rageous inclusive So puzzled at time’s merciless winking
to understand the
& Advertising stance in any reli- needs and aspira- How tragic it is
too hard you might have a teenager
who figures that you just do not un-
Deeper and deeper were all in shock
gious authority. that there are ‘terror- Even for a solid faith built on a rock
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Family members were all forlorn
_____________________________
____________________________ morrow when they meet that person. Besetting were friends all heartily torn
and aspirations of one another. No death.’ We need global solidarity that You need to build an open dialogue
Kindly, complete the form below,
Council, Congress or Convention - comes ‘from every nation and peo- with your teenager today in order to
and send it along with your
payment in US$ or equivalant,
be it Christian, Jewish or Muslim - ple recognising that we are all in the let them feel comfortable sharing Bewildering silence reigned over all
payable to
seems capable of any such human- image of God.’ Whoever said this their lives with you tomorrow, which Gazing at God’s Will by night’s fall
ity. was right. includes who they meet. Praying for easy access to eternity
Watani International British Islam has never preserved ___ Teenagers, you need to deal with
14308 Summer Tree Road, With the sobbings of heartfelt fraternity
the traditional conservative values The Revd. Dr. John H. Watson is an your parents not liking who you will
Suite G once associated exclusively with Anglican priest who lives in Dorset, meet or hang out with. It is part of
Centreville, VA 20121 Christianity. 11 September 2001 was UK. He is the author of several every parent’s nightmare to have With grief and chagrin beyond expression
Tel: 571-522-6560 certainly perceived at the time by books including Among the Copts their child “fall in love” with some- We earnestly plea for a saintly intercession
Fax: 571-522-6561 millions of Muslims as a euphoric (2000), Christians Observed: Nar- one, whether they are Coptic parents Console, O Lord! Our agonized bereavement
Or pay by credit card moment, a taste of triumphal joy at ratives for Today’s Church (2004), or not. You, as their child, need to
Name on the card: The deeply-dug sorrow defying all appeasement
the conflagration, which had ex- and Listening to Islam (2005). share your life with them today in
____________________________
___________________________ order to allow them to trust you to-
Card #: _____ _____ _______ morrow. You need to build an open Open for their souls, O Lord! the Gates of Heaven, and accept
Expiration Date: _____________ If you think you cannot make a difference, dialogue with your parents today in them according to Thy tender Mercy.
Card Type: ˚ Master Card order to let them feel comfortable Open for them, O Lord! the Gate of Righteousness, so that they
˚ Visa ˚ American Express think again, because in fact with the people you hang out with. may enter and be favoured with Thy Grace therein.
Address: you can make a difference: The dialogue I usually hear from Open for them, O Lord! the Gate of Paradise ….And let the
__________________________________
__________________________________ Give a gift subscription parents and their teenagers sounds
Angels of Light give them access to Life Eternal.
__________________________________
__________________________________ like two enemies talking to each
Telephone:________________ in Watani to someone other. It goes something like this: (From the Funeral Service according to the Rites of the Coptic
Fax:_______________________ you care about. “You will not speak to that per- Orthodox Church.)
son.” Parent said.
21.
20 November 2005 Watani International 3
Rebellion Against the “French Model” Egypt’s Christian-Muslim Divide
prefer to hear, in its deep desire to underestimate churches, burnt or targeted, demonstrate, more divert attention from their own shortcomings.
Ivan Rioufol the disaster. It knows that it is responsible for precisely, a rejection of France, which became, Mona Eltahawy The violence born of such growing extremism
creating the ghettos: it did not cease singing the for many flamers, a hated country. But the deaf will consume us all.
This time, the national pact is shaken. The Of the many things one should not mention in po-
merits of immigration, while ignoring the proper do not want to hear that. Our biggest hope is a burgeoning opposition
rebellion of ‘les citiés’ (as the subsidized housing lite company in Egypt, friction between Muslims
reception (of the immigrants). The guards of the By instating the emergency state, Dominique movement launched late last year by Muslims
compounds and suburbs, where many and Christians is near the top of the list. Try men-
‘politically correct’, who monopolize the speech, de Villepin indicated the level of the threat the and Christians who lead street protests in Cairo
immigrants live, are referred to) revealed the tioning that Christians in Egypt are discriminated
further diabolize those who warn against a too Republic faces. Undoubtedly, the Prime Minister as Egyptians first and foremost. Minority rights
gravity of the identity fracture, born from ethnic against and you might as well stand atop the Giza
also had a feeling of the risk of exasperation of in Egypt are central to the debate on reform and
communitarism. The French model of pyramids waving white flags festooned with “In-
the population facing acts as cruel as the two democracy that Egypt has been having since
integration was the target of a subversive vade Now” at the im-
mortal aggressions those protestors took to the streets in 2004.
attempt, borrowing from the traditional aginary American
of Epinay and Stains, If efforts to secure those rights happen to co-
techniques of destabilization. While based on
indisputable socio-economic weaknesses, they
putting buses Violence Everywhere tanks at the border.
But we’re way be-
incide with similar calls from the Bush adminis-
transporting users to tration or anyone else, so be it. We cannot brush
consist of making the adversary feel guilty, to yond polite conversa-
fire, the shootings minorities under the mat of denial that govern-
plant discord in its ranks, and of overexploiting tion.
with real balls against the police force. It is not ments across the Arab world have rolled out sim-
the least elements. When an Egyptian nun coming out of a prayer
necessary, yet, to speak about civil war. But the ply because the United States claims it is paying
Thus, the (strong) words of Sarkozy, meant to service at St. George’s Church in Alexandria is
assumption is not out of the question any more. more attention to how they treat their citizens.
refer to specific behaviors, were taken by the stabbed by a Muslim man in his 20s shouting the
Unemployment and the segregation in which To appreciate the geopolitical dimensions of
rioters as pretexts to request ‘excuses’. requisite “God is great,” we need to talk.
live the young people of the immigration from this issue, consider a Christian’s phone call to a
Dropping a teargas grenade close to a mosque When thousands of Muslims attack seven
the Maghreb countries and Africa, are realities that recent Egyptian talk show on sectarian relations.
was compared to an ‘aggression’. The eagerness churches in two Alexandria neighborhoods after
can only call for necessary “positive The man said he would rather be killed by Mus-
of the left to feed these polemics came to confirm someone distributes a DVD of a play deemed of-
discrimination” and the development of lim extremists than have America come to save
its flimsiness. The more so as the left remained fensive to Islam (a play that
appropriate social policies. But the eagerness of him. Muslim guests on the show
silent in front of the death of (two innocent was staged two years ago),
the government to simply distribute subsidies to jumped to assure him they’d defend
persons killed during the riots in Paris suburbs). and when three Muslims die
civil associations and to clear Islam of any him tooth and nail against extrem-
The apathy of the consciences leads those to and dozens are injured after
responsibility in the riots does not help to ists. Just a few weeks later, the riots
affirm that they “understand” (i.e. justify) riot police fire tear gas and use
understand the complexity of the motivations of broke out in front of the church in
violence. They claim that nothing was ever done batons to dispel 5,000
the insurgents. Alexandria, and I have yet to hear
to help the suburbs, and that the requirement to protestors outside St.
It comes to memory the diatribes against France that Muslims, other than the police,
“respect” those trouble-makers is legitimate. George’s, we need to talk.
massive arrival of non-European populations, and held by the Islamists who were demonstrating in offered to keep vigil.
Some even support the notion that the police When Christians in Alexan-
the influence of extremism in the suburbs. Paris against the decision of the government to Minority rights in Egypt also be-
force behaved as a “colonizer”. Such followers dria, once a cosmopolitan
But the facts are obstinate. What they make clear prohibit the veil at the school: “We will never long to the debate about Iraq and its
of ‘repentance’ (from the colonial past), home to Muslims, Christians
is more serious than the “May 68 of ‘les citiés’“, accept a law which goes against our dignity and new ethnic and sectarian power
assiduous sociologists and TV talk-show hosts, and Jews alike, are afraid to
as described by some naives. It is an urban our freedom! We demand excuses! We are able structures. Iraq’s Sunni Muslim mi-
are ready with all the excuses, to carry favors leave their homes and when
terrorism which is appearing. The desolation left to create political agitations.” Last Monday, the nority, long used to privilege under
with the sublime rioters. women remove crucifixes out
by the raids proves it. The schools, libraries and Turkish the Prime Minister considered that this Saddam Hussein, is now struggling to adjust to
It is these ‘noble souls’ that the political elite of fear of violence and insult, we need to talk.
law explained the violence…. its newly reduced status, often with violent re-
I could go on, but you get my drift.
Lost children, left without education or another sults. As Arab Sunni governments, including
As a Muslim Egyptian, I am stunned by Octo-
culture except for that of the street, often become Egypt’s, call on Iraq’s Shia- and Kurdish-domi-
Summoning Courage in the Timid West the instruments of drug-dealers or fundamentalist.
ber’s riots in Alexandria. Why are Muslims in
Egypt full of the arrogance of a majority that de-
nated government to respect Sunni minority
It does not render them service to hide the rights, they would do well to look to their own
history, our culture — even our economy.” mands an apology for a two-year-old play but none
Wesley Pruden manipulations that they can undergo. Many of minorities lest stones shatter their own decrepit
Mr. Cameron rises to bluntness: “The driving of the confidence to brush off offense at such a
these young French will never reconcile glass houses.
force behind today’s terrorist threat is Islamist fun- small matter? Is Islam so fragile that Muslims need
A late education can be a good thing, and a death- themselves with the nation if nobody helps them Muslim-majority countries must also be more
damentalism. The struggle we are engaged in is, to riot to protect it?
bed conversion is better than no conversion at to wake up and leave an indoctrination that draws sensitive to minority rights not just because it is
at root, ideological. Islamist thinking has devel- As the fabric of religious tolerance has grown
all. But neither is easy. from a sectarian reading of the Quran, which the morally correct thing to do but also because
oped which, like other totalitarianisms, such as thin in Egypt, more often than not it is the Chris-
Race relations has become a big industry here, invites to fight and subjugate Jews and Christian. the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and others
Nazi-ism and communism, offers its followers a tian minority that bears the brunt.
and even bigger abroad, particularly in Britain Can the model of integration be saved? A total since have thrust Muslim minorities in the West
form of redemption through violence.” In Egypt, Christian Copts, who make up between
where government boards have been established assimilation seems to have become an unrealistic onto an uncomfortable stage of permanent sus-
Bluntness inspires bluntness. The international 5 and 10 percent of the population, can count no
to “educate whites out of prejudice towards eth- objective. But the risk of bursting the country can picion. To defend the rights of those Muslim mi-
relations minister for Quebec says immigrants who mayors, no public university presidents or deans,
nic minorities.” be avoided, if (immigrating) new comers have the norities and not appear at best hypocritical, we
respect neither women nor the rights in the Cana- and there are few Christians in the upper ranks of
This is sometimes good but often bad because desire for being identified with France. Something must treat our own minorities with respect.
dian civil code are not welcome. The prime minis- the security services and armed forces. There are
the “educators” are often the blindest bigots of that is not always any more the case; but it is also It is time to brush aside the canard of sectarian
ter of New South Wales says immigrants who don’t only two or three Christian ministers at any given
all. The recent riots in Birmingham, once one true that a country which cannot be made harmony in Egypt. I will be accused, no doubt,
want to become Australians first should stay out. time, and Christians are underrepresented in Par-
of the great cities of England, have revealed vi- respected is a country which will never be of providing ammunition for Egypt’s “enemies.”
Australia’s education minister told prospective Is- liament. President Hosni Mubarak’s National
cious hatred of whites and contempt for the na- respected. The decision of Nicolas Sarkozy to But my criticism is aimed not at my beloved
lamic immigrants that if they can’t commit to Aus- Democratic Party nominated just two Christians
tion’s history, customs and traditions among expel the foreign rioters is the practical application Egypt but at injustice and violence born of reli-
tralian rule of law “they can basically clear off.” to run in this week’s parliamentary elections. One
minorities who have no interest in becoming of some more required from the State. But it can gion and politics.
Lately George W. Bush has shown signs of ac- pulled out after the Alexandria riots.
“British.” be only a first step. Also, it remains that the As a Muslim Egyptian who has lived in the
quiring a late education, saying for the first time Successive governments have been all too happy
“Multiculturalism” has largely insulated the politicians finally consider immigration for what United States for the past five years, I have
what everybody knows, that the radical enemy to sit back and watch the growing fundamentalism
black and Asian communities, keeping them it has become: a problem for the identity of the learned to move between majority and minority.
within the gates does not necessarily embrace “a and politicization of religion that has shadowed
apart except when they fight each other in the country. And I know there’s a lot to talk about.
religion of peace.” It’s not much, but it’s a start. both Egypt’s Muslims and Christians over the past
streets, and leaving them at the mercy of rumor _____________________________________ ____________________________
_____________________________________ few decades, too often encouraging it as a way to
and tall tales spread by those with no interest in Le Figaro (abridged translation from French) The International Herald Tribune
Wesley Pruden is editor in chief of The Times.
community.
“The chairman of the Commission on Racial
Equality,” notes the London Daily Telegraph, Brother Tariq – A Man with Many Faces (4)
“has warned in recent months of the dangers of
the multicultural society. Lozells [a residential
district of Birmingham and the scene of racial Confuse the Issues, Redefine the Terms !
rioting] proves his point. While it is correct that
in a free society the cultures and ways of life of Secularism fundamentalisms do not share the same history or get used to that, and things will get to change with
different groups should be tolerated, toleration Adel Guindy background, but they both oppose liberals. time.”
The first look at Ramadan’s book “Muslims in a
almost to the exclusion of the cultural main- Secular System” may give the impression that he Fundamentalists may be defined as ‘those who Ramadan has definitely got one thing right:
stream is highly dangerous. Instead of having Not only does Tariq Ramadan call for a ‘universal calls for a secular Islam, or at least for an adapta- believe that there should be no separation between women ‘activists’ can do a much more credible
warring factions in our inner cities, we should cultural revolution,’ comparing his philosophy to tion with secular society. But first impressions can religion and public life; their approach to public job defending hijab than men ever can.
have communities that, first and foremost, re- a ‘theology of liberation’ (conveniently forgetting be deceiving, as we will soon find out. life being dogmatic and irrational, based on a reli-
gard themselves as British.” to tell us who needs to be liberated, from what?); “I agree 100% with secularism,” says Ramadan gious vision that supersedes and dominates all Corporal Punishments
The London bombings in July changed atti- he also graces us with a new terminology! In a in a meeting in January 2003. But, as usual, he else’. But Ramadan sees this inapplicable to Mus- Ramadan condemns ‘harsh treatment’ of wives,
tudes in Britain even more profoundly than Sep- small book entitled ‘Understanding the Terminol- lies by omission, for he fails to clarify that his lims “because they can resort to Ijtihad.” but that condemnation does not extend to wife
tember 11 changed things in America. Perhaps ogy’ (2001), he states that terms such as rights, enthusiastic approval was conditional to a per- Moreover, he insists that beating, which is a legitimate
it begins with respect for language. The king’s rationalism, democracy, citizenship, secularism, sonal interpretation of secularism: not the one that Christianity is “dogmatic to practice according to the
English belongs first to the British, after all, and etc., have acquired a certain meanings in the West separates politics and religion, but rather “a plu- the extent that the Christian Quran.
most Englishmen are not as eager as we are to that “could trouble Muslims, and therefore they ralistic secularism that puts all religions at an equal fundamentalists’ thinking He proposed a moratorium
cower behind clouds of euphemism, bloviation should be redefined.” Examples: standing (..) and allows us to remain loyal to our has no room for context or on stoning, and not (as would
and other poisonous gases. roots” (audiotape ‘Regarding Secularism’). logic”. He is clearly attempt- be expected from a ‘reform-
The most profound change in Britain, says Rationalism He goes as far as trying to make secularism ing to shield Islam from ist’) an annulment of such a
Daniel Pipes, an American scholar who is the Ramadan asserts that one of Islam’s characteris- ‘evolve’ in a way that matches his own funda- criticism by diverting the barbaric punishment. His
director of the Middle East Forum, “is the sud-
den need of the British and others to assert what
Terrorism
tics is that “Faith is the light (that shows the way),
and Reason is the path”. The terms of ‘light’ and
mentalist vision. From his perspective, Europe is
not a “house of secularism” but a “house of wit-
spot on real, or imaginary,
weaknesses in other reli-
non-committal attitude was
justified by a wish not to lose
it means to be British, Australian or some other ‘reason’ used here are deliberately chosen from the ness”. He strongly opposed the ban on hijab gions. credibility among Islamists.
nationality. In the face of the Islamist challenge, Enlightenment; but we would be sorely mistaken (among other ostentatious religious symbols) in Listening to Ramadan, one [Amazingly, Laila and
historic identities taken for granted must now to think that ‘Rationalism’ has actually something French public schools. would believe that there is Alma Levi, two teenagers,
be explained and codified.” to do with that established by the philosophers of At any rate, Farid Abdelkrim, his friend and no conflict between faith and and big devotees of Ramadan,
Not just the British, but Europeans, usually Enlightenment! As he explains further, the con- disciple, has made it quite clear in his book ‘Na’al reason in Islam, as he pro- who attracted the media’s at-
regarded here as made up in equal parts of mush, trast becomes evident. Ramadan equates Ration- Bou La France’ that no amount of talk will ever claims: “Quran obliges us to tention during the hijab crisis
cotton, hay and rag, in recent months have stood alism to the Islamic concept of Ijtihad; defined as convince him, or his peers, of the validity of secu- think” (implying that the in France in 2003, have writ-
up to defend the customs that make the West the ‘seeking answers in the absence of clear textual larism. other Holy Books do not), ten a book defending stoning,
West. Burqas have been banned in Italy, reluc- references in Quran and Sunna.’ adding that: “Quran is a on the grounds of “free
tant German schoolboys are required to attend He further considers Pascal and Kant to be on Modernity source of revival for the choice” (??) ].
coed swimming classes and male applicants for the opposite end of the scale from his own thoughts. Ramadan distinguishes between modernity and mind, and not to block rea- As a general rule, Ramadan
Irish citizenship are now required to renounce Claiming that ‘Critical Thinking’ is just a form of modernism, rejecting the latter as an evidence of son. And this is where all the supports the enactment of
polygamy. When a visiting Iranian government Western tyrannical extremism, and wishing to extremism. He, instead, offers ‘Islamic modernity’ difference lies…” laws based on Sharia in Is-
delegation demanded that a Belgian minister shield Islam from serious critique, he solemnly which, truthfully, is a bit difficult to grasp. If by Regardless of the haughty tone, never mind the lamic countries. Those who reject the terms of
drink no wine at his luncheon for them, the min- declares: “Doubt is related to a certain history modernity we mean ‘adapting to contemporary insulting insinuation; his reasoning leads to a Shari’a that are based on firm exegetes are, ac-
ister promptly canceled the lunch and told them: (meaning the Christian history) and is not relevant circumstances and progressing, away from dog- strange conclusion: “all that one does after having cording to Ramadan, “apostates, and no longer
“You can’t force the authorities of Belgium to to Islam” (!!) matism, through rationalism and secularization,’ read the Quran, can not be considered fanaticism, Muslims”.
drink water.” In another instance, Ramadan gives Rationalism then we would have a hard time finding any con- but an evidence of great faith”.
But it’s more than wine and water. David another wrapped definition as a “mental process nection to the ‘Islamic modernity’ preached by Apostasy
Cameron, a rising Tory star in Britain, summons ***
to rediscover faith”, uprooting it off its origin as a Ramadan. Ramadan rebuked the Egyptian government for
the courage to define “Britishness,” and says it search for truth through critical thinking and fac- Jacques Jomier, a researcher in Islamic studies, The Sacrosanct its lack of respect for human rights, but he wouldn’t
begins with “freedom under the rule of law,” tual analysis. sums the matter in a nutshell: “There is no way, What does Ramadan think about some of the Is- extend these rights to include a Muslim’s right to
and this “explains almost everything you need What a sad end to the famous saying of for Ramadan, to modernize Islam; but to Islamize lamic ‘constants’ that fundamentalists and Salafis change religion. Nevertheless, when he was put
to know about our country, our institutions, our Descartes: ‘I think, hence I am.’ modernity”. (2 ) hold sacred? on the spot and had to save face in front of a West-
When Ramadan talks about an ‘Islamic moder- ern audience, he leniently declared: “my opinion
Democracy nity,’ he actually means to put technological ad- Hijab – which represents a minority – is to recognize
On one hand, we have Ramadan stating to a news- vances in service of Islam. Extremism and high Ramadan is known to quote Youssef al-Qardawi the right to change religion, provided that this con-
paper in the Côte d’Ivoire: “Democracy is a given technology may indeed be good companions, es- who explains the rationale behind the issue: “The version won’t bring harm to those who are close
for Muslims.” On the other hand, he says – in an pecially if technology could serve as a weapon in Muslim’s attire should not be similar to that of the to the person involved.” (??)
audiotape about ‘Modern Currents in Islamic the war against modernity. infidels - Jews, Christians and unbelievers. It is
Thinking’ – that he has “a critical view of plural- When asked if Turkey and Tunisia could serve haram (illicit) to even think about imitating their Islamic Economy
ism;” which means that he does not approve of it! as a model for modern Islam, Ramadan vehe- women. Islam requires us to be nothing like the Ramadan perceives economic development as “a
For he believes that “Union is Strength,” and urges mently answered: “Triple No!” adding that the others, both in essence and appearance, and that’s charade meant to emphasize Western dominance,”
for “breaking barriers between various Islamic “laws and systems over there are a left-over from why it commends us to do the opposite of what he believes that “religion in itself is an agent of
cultures, to create a unified and universal one”, as the colonization era”. infidels do.” development; hence the necessity of creating an
an alternative for pluralism on which societies have Ramadan is wrong on more than one count. As for Ramadan himself, he confirms: “The (Is- alternative Islamic economy that is entirely sepa-
thrived, even within the Islamic World. Besides that Turkey was never a colony, the secu- lamic) scholars have unanimously concluded that rate of the dynamics of global economy”. The fi-
Naturally, Ramadan might want to be a bit cau- lar aspects in the two countries are, in fact, their donning the hijab is an Islamic duty”, adding: “that nal objective, in this case, is not to foster coexist-
tious speaking out against democracy in front of a governments’ work during the post-independence doesn’t mean women are forced to wear it”. Here ence and seek common interests of individuals and
Western audience, especially when he, and others era - as is the case with Borguiba’s Tunisia. he refers to the need for submission, or ‘voluntary nations, but rather to retreat into a pure (read ‘to-
like him, owe much to democracy. The Muslim obligation,’ required for an ‘authentic Islamic so- talitarian’) regime that draws on religious limpid-
Brothers, on the other hand, have no such qualms. Fundamentalism ciety.’ ness.
The supreme guide of the Muslim Brothers plainly Ramadan maintains that ‘fundamentalism’ is only Ramadan also believes that the headscarf is a ______________________________________
says (1 ): “We believe in democracy, because it is relevant to the history of Christianity, and that this “symbol of self-esteem that was missing”, urging (1) An interview to the Egyptian weekly maga-
the way to have free and honest elections. But we term “should not be associated with the use of Muslim women: “Do not be intimidated. Wear the zine Akher-Saa July 20, 2005.
reject the concept of unlimited democracy that scriptural texts as a point of reference in Islam;” hijab; and in case of harassment, you have every (2) The term Salaf means predecessors (or ances-
bows to the people’s judgment, which should be a manipulative statement that would force others right to complain.” He reassures them that “the tors) and refers to the companions of the Prophet
bound by Shari’a. That’s what sets us apart from to think twice before condemning Islamic funda- more we are in contact with the society, and the Muhammad (the Sahaba), the early Muslims who
others – but we are indeed democrats to the great- mentalism, for fear of being accused of prejudice. more there are veiled women who can explain their followed them, and the scholars of the first three
est extent.” As a matter of fact, Islamic and Christian demands, the more the (Western) mentality will generations of Muslims.
22.
2 Watani International 20 November 2005
4 Watani International 20 November 2005
Pope Shenouda III
A hundred years of Mar-Mina The Jehovah Witnesses Heresy (19)
Their distorted
translation of the
Holy Scripture
conforming with
their wrong
beliefs
and heresies
Translated by: Dr Wedad Abbas
Mar-Mina or St Mina is patron of the monastery place. Guided by historical sources, they reached the It is a wrong translation pub- head bodily," which means that He
consecrated in his name in the Lake Mariout district Georgette Sadeq ruins. A Bedouin who lived nearby told them of a is God manifested in the flesh
lished in 1950, entitled: The New
near Alexandria, also known as Abu-Mina. The site place called "Bumina", clearly a corruption of World Translation of the Holy (1Tim3: 16).
is the seat of the tomb of St Mina, who was martyred Abu-Mina. A Bedouin child offered them a tiny Scriptures. It is in English and in They distort it into, "….in him all
in the fourth century and whose martyrdom is earthenware flask stamped with Greek writing and
celebrated by the Coptic Church on the 24th of an image of the saint flanked by two kneeling Arabic. It is a very bad distortion the fullness of the divine quality
November (15 Hatour) every year. camels. The Germans recognised it as a St Mina of some verses to conform with dwells bodily." What does the di-
Many visitors come here to request a blessing. In souvenir, hundreds of which were filled with holy their views. That translation is vine quality mean? There are divine
the days of Pope Athanasius the Apostolic, the 20th water from St Mina’s healing well and carried home done by persons who are not learnt qualities that belong to God alone,
patriarch, a church was built over the tomb. Bec- by pilgrims. They have been found all over the Old in the original languages of the such as: the Eternal; the Creator; the
ause of the increasing number of visitors, Pope World. Scripture, but they tried to make it Unlimited; the Omnipresent; the Al-
Theophilus, the 23rd patriarch, ordered the building represent their beliefs. mighty; the Omniscient….etc.
of a larger one so as accommodate the huge Heritage site However, this distorted translation which one of them do they mean?
numbers. It was the biggest and greatest church in The excavations begun by Kaufmann are still is not the only fault of Jehovah wit- Or none of them is meant?
Egypt, so imposing that it was likened to the temple ongoing under the supervision of the Egyptian nesses as regards the Holy Scrip-
of Solomon. It reached the height of its fame in the Antiquities Authority. Because of the site’s historical ture. They also have their com- • (Col11: 19): "For it pleased the
fifth and in the sixth centuries. importance it has been placed on UNESCO’s mentaries on some Books of the Father that in Him all the fullness
Heritage List, one of seven such sites in Egypt. Holy Scripture, like those of Isaiah, should dwell." They left this but
Pilgrimage route Pope Kyrillos VI, who felt a strong tie to the saint Daniel, the Epistle of James, the changed it into, "because (God) saw
Many devout European pilgrims making their way and as a monk had taken his name, built a new Revelation, as well as various con-
to or from the Holy Land, which entailed a journey monastery for St Mina and returned his remains from good for all fullness to dwell in
templations on the Scripture.
lasting a year, made a detour to visit the tomb of St Old Cairo where they had lain since being taken there Their way of interpretation is ei- him." Maybe they left it because it
Mina. But the position of the great pilgrimage centre for safe-keeping centuries before. On 22 June 1959 ther symbolic or literal. And in any did not mention "the fullness of the
was overtaken by events wound up with the history Pope Kyrillos VI held Mass there, and in the same dialogue with them, when faced Godhead," as in (col2: 9).
of Egypt following the Arab conquest, and it lost year in commemoration of the martyrdom of Mar- with a certain verse the escape con-
importance. Its great buildings fell to ruin and were Mina he held Holy Mass on a temporary altar there on formation by referring to another • (Lk23: 43): The words of the
all but forgotten. Friday 27 November 1959. one. They move from one subject to Lord to the thief on the cross, "I say
A hundred years ago in 1905 the German ar- This year, the centennial of Kaufmann’s discovery, another with concentration and in a to you, today you will be with Me
chaeologist Karl Maria Kaufmann came to Egypt Pope Shenouda III consecrated on 10 January the Ca- boring way. in Paradise." This verse is an ev-
from Frankfurt and began to scour the Western thedral of the great martyr Mina at the monastery idence that the soul of the thief re-
Desert in search of St Mina’s legendary resting bearing his name in Mariout. mained alive and met with the Lord
One of the examples of such dis-
tortion is their omitting the verse on the same day in Paradise.
in (1Jn5: 7). But as Jehovah Witnesses do not
Water sacred and otherwise
"Watch your step, you might die sinking in the in a praying position, a profile of the saint’s head
in this verse the apostle says, "For
there are three that bear witness in
heaven: the Father, the Word, and
the Holy Spirit; and these three are
one." They omit this verse because
they deny the doctrine of the Trin-
ity. They go further as to say that
believe in the immortality of the
souls, they moved the punctuation
mark to change the meaning: "I tell
you today: you will be with Me in
Paradise."
Furthermore, we have another re-
mud," announces a clearly-written warning sign Robeir al-Faris with African features—perhaps produced for
near Abu-Mina, the archaeological region adjacent African visitors, a knight which may refer to the some versions of the Scripture do mark:
to St Mina’s Monastery which lies in the Western miracles of St Mina or Prince Tadros (St Theo- not contain this verse, though, in
Desert south east of Alexandria. Local water Models dore), and a depiction of St Thekla, in whose name fact, it is found in the most famous Which Paradise is meant: the
drainage has led to a sudden landslide, which In his lecture Sami Sabri, professor of architecture there was a small church along the pilgrim road to translation of the Scripture. And we earthly, or the heavenly?
typifies the tragedy of this archaeological region at Cairo University, said Abu-Mina was an estab- Abu-Mina. have refuted their claim in a pre- Where will the thief be? In an
now registered on UNESCO’s list of world heritage lished town with good architectural planning of the On the same topic Sherine Sadeq al-Guindi, pro- vious article. earthly paradise, or with the Lord in
sites under threat. site and its churches, and could even be considered fessor of tourism at Ain Shams University, said the Another famous verse which
an early Christian Acropolis. heaven? For they believe that the
flasks were spread all over North Africa and Eu- they have distorted is (Jn1: 1): "In
Region of wonders Dr Sabri called for the foundation of a heritage- rope as far as Great Britain. Many of these flasks majority of the people will be in a
the beginning was the Word, and paradise on earth, where as the Lord
To celebrate the passing of a century since the re- museum that would contain reproductions of the are preserved in museums all over the world. the Word was with God, and the
discovery of the old monastery, the Association of archaeological objects found among the excava- Jesus will be in heaven!
Word was God." They state it as • (Mt26: 26, 28): The words of
Coptic Heritage Lovers held a three-day conference tions, such as capitols and bases of marble columns Misconceptions follows: "…..and the Word was a
last month. The conference opened with a speech by and pieces of earthenware. He also suggested that Some earlier misconceptions were cleared up, the the Lord to the disciple during the
god." They mean He is lesser god
Anba Silwanus, the assistant bishop of Old Cairo, models be made to represent the buildings in place first when Mary Misack, professor of tourism at not God Almighty! Actually, Last Supper: "Take, eat; this is My
who called Abu-Mina "a region of wonders". at the peak of the town’s fame, and an annual cer- Helwan University, brought up the question of an body…..Drink….For this is My
emony near to the archaeological site on the an- many verses speak about the di-
Dr Mina Badie Abdel-Malik, professor of math- arm band decorated with an image of a knight vinity of Christ, but let us ask a blood of the new covenant."
ematics at Alexandria University and editor-in- niversary of St Mina’s martyrdom on 24 November. whom museum officials had previously identified As they do not believe in the Eu-
chief of the magazine Rhakoti: Spotlights on Coptic as St Mina. However Dr Misack read the Armenian main question:
charist Sacrament, they translated it
Studies, which issued a special report on the region, Mar-Mina flasks script in which the name is written to disclose that into: "Take, eat. This means my
said the rediscovered tomb of St Mina had been the Delphine Dixneuf, a researcher at the French the image represented St George. Is Christ a True God, or not?
If He is True God the Jehovah body…..Drink out of it…..for this
focal point around which the pilgrimage centre had Institute for eastern antiquities in Cairo, talked Dr al-Guindi also revealed that a painting in the means my blood." And in Arabic
been established. about the workshops and pottery products of the Louvre of Jesus Christ placing His hand on the Witnesses will have fallen in pol-
Dr Abdel-Malik surprised attendants when he region. Among these products were the famous St head of a figure thought to be St Mina was now ac- ytheism, and if not, how could He translation is very far from the true
said that Dr Ahmed Abdel-Fattah, former manager Mina’s flasks, which contained holy water from cepted as being the head of Father Mina, head of be the Creator? How could it be meaning.
of the Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria, said the spring which sprang at St Mina’s burial place Baweiti Monastery. that "all things were made through • (1Cor11: 24, 25): The apostle
UNESCO set side $500,000 to find a solution to the and was the source of miraculous cures. On these Recommendations of the conference focused on Him, and without Him nothing was quoting the words of the Lord on
groundwater problem. However, this budget had flasks, which date back to the sixth and seventh calls to preserve the ancient town and find a solu- made that was made." (Jn1: 3) [See the same occasion, "Take, eat; this
not been spent on the target. centuries, are four relief ornamentations: St Mina tion to the water drainage problem. our book: The divinity of Christ] is My body….This cup is the new
And how could He be omnipresent covenant in My blood." They
(Jn3: 13; Mt18: 20), if He is not changed this text into: "This means
God? How is it said that He is over my body. This cup means the new
all, the eternally blessed God covenant by virtue of my blood.
Heavenly "O Holy Virgin, our Lady Mary,
You who light the earth and universe,
The world has tightened its clutches
around us,
How desperately we need
Dr
Amina Zaa-
zou, and
Mohamed
(Rom9: 5)?
If He is god, and not God, how
shall we understand the words in
(Isa43: 10): "I am He. Before Me
However, when speaking about
the worthiness of partaking, they
sate the body and the blood of the
Lord: "Will be guilty respecting the
there was no God formed, nor shall body and the blood of the Lord."
your virtuous presence. Nouh
there be after Me"? It is the same Is it contradiction between the two
melodies Our hands and strength are no longer able
To carry us through.
So come shake the palm trunk for us."
at
her
lfet
chapter and passage from where
the Jehovah Witnesses derived
their name.
texts?
• (Mt25: 46): The words of the
Lord about the Day of Judgment:
"And these will go away into ever-
Another verse they have distorted lasting punishment, but the right-
Mary Ramses is (Acts20: 28) in which St. Paul the eous into eternal life."
apostle says to the elders in Eph-
The above hymn may sound like one more of the thousands of hymns The hymn—Ya Settena Mariam (Our Lady Mary)—was the surprise of a esus: "Therefore take heed to your-
selves and to al the flock, among As Jehovah Witnesses do not be-
sung to the holy Virgin. Nonetheless, it is different in that it was written celebration held earlier this month at the Anba Ruweis theatre of St Mark’s lieve that the punishment is an-
by a woman who believes to have been saved from death by no other than Cathedral at Abbassiya, Cairo in honour of the church’s young men and which the Holy Spirit made you
St Mary herself. Dr Amina Zaazoua, who is a professor at Cairo Uni- women university graduates. Even though the celebration opened with a play overseers, to shepherd the Church nihilation, they translated this verse
versity’s Media Faculty and a Muslim, was rescued from a terrible fire named Saleh wa Taleh (Good and Bad), which was rather boring and ran of God which He purchased with as follows: "And these will depart
through what she alleges were the hands of the holy Virgin. In joy and between clowning and melodrama, it took a splendid turn when the St Au- His own blood." This verse is a into everlasting cutting off….."
gratitude, she decided to write the hymn for the Holy Virgin, which was ghustinus Choir took centre stage. The choir expertly performed a number of clear evidence that God became in- But they mentioned the eternal
then put to music by prominent musicologist and music writer Mohamed moving Coptic hymns and melodies, upon which Mr Nouh later commented carnated and was crucified, since torment in (Rev20: 10)
Nouh, and performed by singer Mariam Nouh, accompanied by St Au- that, even though the Coptic words were for him incomprehensible, the He purchased His church with His They did not distort this verse but
ghustinus Choir conducted by Dr Hany Saber. melodies—a universal language—clearly expressed worship of the heart. own blood. But as Jehovah Wit- kept its true translation: "The devil,
nesses do not believe in this, they who deceived them, was cast into
distorted the verse, both in Arabic the lake of fire and brimstone where
and in English, to be, "overseers to the beast and the false prophet are.
Watani International.... Watani International.... Watani International.... Watani International....Watani International shepherd the congregation of God
which he purchased with the blood
And they will be tormented day
and night forever and ever? Did
of his own (Son)." Thus they this verse ship away from their dis-
Eio-ncif
dtri-he Youssef Sidhom I ternational staff
n changed "His church" into "the con- torted translation? Or maybe they
Executive editor Magdi Khalil (NY) Senior editors Saad Michael Saad gregation of God", and "His own will try to correct it afterwards in a
Cairo staf
f Tel (1) 571 5226560, Fax (1) 571 5226561 (Los Angeles) blood" into "the blood of his own modified translation!!
Emi:mgih htalcm
-al adk@ omi.o
M aaigeio
ngn dtr Samia Sidhom mgikml alcm
adkae@ o.o
(Son)." It is because they do not be- • (Mt13: 42): Maybe this verse
Ae Gid (rne
dl uny Fac) lieve in priesthood nor in churches!! has slipped away from them, for
Cp eio
oy dtr Jenny Jobbins Fx(3 17160
a 3) 4020
Eioilta
dtra em Ghada Tantawi Eiigavsr
dtn dio William El-Miry (NY) Emi:gidaalcm
-al uny@o.o they keep the true translation,
Other verses they have distorted "…..and will cast them into the fur-
Ghali Kozman
Contributing editor Mahfouz Doss (LA) LiaSai Frd(.)
al hfk ai UK because they prove the divinity of nace of fire. There will be wailing
DnaWgy
oi ad Tl()308638 Fx()308040
e 1 1 238, a 1 1 288 Christ are:
Fx(4 10545,
a 4) 74736 and gnashing of teeth." This contra-
Marina Ihab Emi:mds@wrde.t.e
-al aos olntatnt Emi:liaai@tpnol.o
-al alfrdboewrdcm • (Col2: 8, 9): "….and not ac- dicts their belief that the wicked
cording to Christ. For in Him will perish, because who perishes
V r i i o f c : 14308 Summer Tree Road, Suite G, Centreville, VA 20121; Los Angeles office: P.O.Box 2442, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
igna fie dwells all the fullness of the God- will not wail!
20 November 2005
Watani International 3