CAIRO – The unprecedented emergence of Salafists on the domestic political scene at present is currently raising eyebrows. The question that is being widely posed is: Why has the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces resorted to Salafi Sheikhs in reconciliation drives between Copts and Muslims, following sectarian clashes against a background of social disputes? The Council was rather expected to seek the assistance of Al-Azhar, the prestigious Sunni seat of learning, which advocates moderate Islam as opposed to these fundamentalists. As an acknowledged State institution that takes the helm of religious affairs, Azharite clerics were supposed to be in the forefront of those get-togethers. Salafist with a fanatic interpretation of religious issues have had their impact in the past few years on viewers of religious satellite channels. As such their influence was limited. Today, with the rostrum being allowed to all orientations, the Salafists have seized the opportunity to be part of the change process. But their appearance has been associated with rumours about their intention to kidnap and punish unveiled women on the streets. News reports about definite incidents, where some Salafists have take the law by their own hands, have substantiated public fear of the role Salafists seek in political life. So while not denying this or any other religious group its right to express its viewpoint, nevertheless, Al-Azhar has to make opts voice heard more loudly. They balanced view that Al-Azhar is apt to present would help people make sound choices and dully put religious groups in their proper perspective. At the current stage we need to stop and to ask ourselves about the path to be trodden.
