Men of religion wonder what can be done about ‘Innocence of Muslims', a movie produced by some Coptic Christians living in the US, calling on human rights activists and religious organisations worldwide to take action against the defamation of any religion. “This film engenders hatred between Egyptian Muslims and Christians round the world," says Ahmed Omar Hashem, the former head of Al-Azhar University. “They want to destabilise society and defame Islam. We need to take legal measures against people who want to cause trouble between Muslims and Christians. This is not freedom of opinion, but an insult to all Muslims," he adds. “In the wake of this offensive film, Egypt should boycott the US economically. It should stop trading with it and prevent Egyptians travelling there and vice versa. It should dismiss their ambassadors from Egypt," argues Abdel-Fattah Idris, a professor of Islamic Sharia at Al-Azhar University. “Egypt should strip Egyptians who insult Islam and our dear Prophet Mohammed of their nationality, including these expatriate Copts." “The Egyptian and American sides should try to understand each other. This is what we want, as Egypt always maintains a balanced relationship with all countries," Magdi Kotb, a political analyst and Editor-in-Chief of The Egyptian Gazette. “The West should understand that Egypt is not calling for war, but for relations that will benefit everyone. However, this should not be at the expense of its dignity and that of its sons. “We don't deny that America is a superpower, but it must realise that Egypt's dignity is more important than life itself." Kotb said he was angry at the violent reaction of many Egyptians, as this won't help them gain their rights. “We all have the right to protest, but in a peaceful way, without attacking properties such as the US Embassy, which is under Egypt's protection," he stressed. Mohammed Abu Leila, a professor of languages and translation at Al-Azhar University, says: “We should not take this lying down. We must defend our religion and stand up to those who defame the image of Islam. “This is a crime against humanity. Although the West talks about freedom of expression, these people should respect others' religious beliefs. “Islamic centres abroad should promote the rightful image of Islam, while Egyptian TV should broadcast films and serials that counter the ideas of extremists abroad and stress the mercy of Islam."
