Controversy Over Christ Movie in Egypt
CAIRO, March 22, 2006 (IslamOnline.net) - An intended attempt to produce a movie on the life of Jesus Christ (peace and blessings be upon him) has stirred a hot debate between Al-Azhar scholars who vehemently oppose the depiction of any Prophet and Christian activists who considered the rejection an interference in their private affairs.
"Al-Azhar (the Cairo-based oldest seat of learning in Sunni Islam) rejects the depiction of Christ in a film because he is not only the prophet of the Christians but also Muslims believe in him and all other prophets," Abdel Mooti Bayumi, a professor in Al-Azhar University, told IOL.
Islamic Researches Academy (IRA) of Al-Azhar had issued a fatwa, or religious edict, against any "depiction of Allah's prophets" including Jesus, secretary-general of the IRA Sheikh Ibrahim Attah Al-Fayoumi told IOL Tuesday, March 21.
"Prophets, chosen by Allah to deliver His message to mankind, should remain away from any disgrace. Accordingly, we should steer clear of depicting them," Dr. Mohamed Raafat Osman, an IRA member, agreed.
Sheikh Mohammed Al-Jazzar, former secretary-general of the Fatwa Committee in Al-Azhar, echoed a similar stance.
"We have not seen the prophets. They are sacred and respected figures. And since they are sacred, their depiction is rejected regardless of reasons of freedom of expression," he said.
The movie of Jesus Christ would open the door for similar movies of other prophets which will cause a big strife, Al-Jazzar added.
"If the movie aims at reminding the audience of Jesus Christ merits and characteristics, we can do that through the movie dialogue without depicting him," he noted.
"The ban on depicting prophets and companions is clear.
As Muslims, we believe the religions and prophets are sacred," said Dr. Jamaludeen Mahmoud, a member of the IRA.
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