"There are those scholars, who interpret religion the way it suits them best and act as if they knew the unknown. They issue fatwas that authorise killing while being oblivious to the fact that scholars should refrain from politicising their fatwas, which are generally non-obligatory. Thus, these scholars deceive no one but themselves, going beyond delivering their religious opinions to judgment and adjudication. They order a litigant to "beat and kill", surpassing the competences of the prophets and the messengers." Sheikh Gamal Qotb, the former head of the Al-Azhar's Fatwa Department. Al-Shorouk Daily, December 20.