A Salafi movement spokesperson on Monday said legislation drawn up by the people is the most dangerous element of democracy. Prominent Salafi preacher Abdel Moneim al-Shahat told the London-based Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper that this is because Salafis believe the source of legislation should be God. Al-Shahat said women's participation in parliament is inconsistent with the intellectual nature of women, and they should be banned from running for president. He added that women and non-Muslims should be viewed differently. Salafis considers Egyptian Coptic Christians as a "minority," said al-Shahat. "Some people feel sensitive to the word minority," he said. "We want to express the fact. People have been living throughout history in one country. Most of them belong to one religion, while the others belong to different religions, and this is the minority." He said the Salafis would not start any party or field candidates. "We can support some candidates and advise people to vote for the best one of the Islamic trend and those of efficiency and integrity," he said. "We may support the Muslim Brotherhood or any other candidates." He said Islamic rule may become reality in the future. Figures from the Salafi movement said in March that it intends to participate in the political process after decades of abstaining. Salafis in Egypt are known for staying out of politics, which they say corrupt religious principles. The movement considers democracy a Western system of government and generally does not accept the appointment of women or non-Muslims to leadership positions. Salafis adopt a literal interpretation of religious texts and therefore do not see parliament as the source of legislation or the people as the source of authority.
