Imams, women preachers and the media are all involved in the mission to combat negative behaviours and extremist ideas.
This statement by chairman of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR), Karam Gabr, came during the launch of the Right of the Nation initiative by the Ministry of Awqaf (religious endowments).
Imams and female preachers are to be found everywhere, in rural and urban areas alike, where they are in direct contact with the public and learn of their ideas and opinions, Gabr said.
Gabr spoke of the essence of the message of Islam, referring to the Hadith (sayings) of Prophet Muhammad, who was sent to “uphold and complement ethical values”.
While calling for a return to moral values, social conditions must be taken into account, Gabr added.
For his part, National Press Authority (NPA) chairman Abdel Sadek el-Shorbagy said the Right of the Nation initiative means verifying facts and avoiding rumour.
“We live in an open media space, and our role is to relay facts to the public from original sources,” el-Shorbagy said.
“The impact of the war in Ukraine has given rise to rumour and disinformation which have been allowed to gain ground.
“Rumours and lies are how the malicious manipulate minds and shake public confidence in our leaders and institutions through unreliable media outlets and unethical platforms.
Chief editor of al-Gomhuria daily newspaper Abdel Razek Tawfik told the event that “awareness is the strategic weapon against extremist ideologies.”
Member of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) Khaled el-Gundi said that the ministry’s imams and female preachers are engaged in a fierce battle since they are facing “all the demons on earth through the virtual world.”
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