CAIRO: A research committee of Al-Azhar scholars, Coptic Christian clerics and secular researchers has been created with the aim of reconciliation and objective study of sectarian strife, said Mahmoud Azab, advisor to the head sheikh of Al-Azhar and member of the committee. The deadly clashes in Cairo's poverty-stricken Imbaba neighborhood on May 7 ocurred because of theological ignorance and the absence of moderate religious preaching in the past, Azab said in an interview on ‘Dream TV.' The incident was a result of chronic problems that surround the district of Imbaba. The poverty and poor conditions for the residents made the area liable to explode at any point. He said the root of the problem is the out of control rumors that plague Egypt and religion, igniting conflict and damaging the images of both Islam and Coptic Christianity. Azab said the joint committee decided to hold religious guidance sessions, prevented in the past by the former regime, to help anyone who wishes to convert to Islam. To convert into Islam, the person will have to talk with a family member and a priest prior to conversion in order to put an end to rumors of kidnappings and detention, the main cause of sectarian conflict in Egypt. He said Islam is against extremism. He brought up the example of the Islamic occupation of Egypt when the leaders of the conquest took great care of the belongings and antiquities of the Coptic Christian natives. Leader of the Anglican Community and a member of the joint committee Rev. Safwat Bayaadi demanded official recognition of the committee for helping to resolve the issue of sectarian strife by investigating root causes. Bayaadi said the committee is lead by the Head Sheikh of Al-Azhar and then the Coptic Christian Pope in consecutive rotation every four years. The Secretary General is Dr. Hamdy Zaqzouq. Bayaadi criticized the media's handling of the events in Imbaba, claiming coverage differed greatly from reports made by the joint committee. He said the media exaggerated the truth and fears media coverage will aggravate similar events. Bayaadi said as long as there is ignorance, unemployment and poverty there will be extremism. He suggested the joint committee visit and open headquarters all over Egypt, since religious teachings have become sabotage for personal gains.
