Dr. Tariq Swidan disagreed with statements by a Salafi leader that slavery is a way to resolve the current economic crisis in Egypt. Swidan criticized the idea, saying it violates the spirit of Islam, and called for countering such ideas. Women have the right to run in presidential elections and hold any governmental position, Swidan added at a meeting held at al-Sawy Culture wheel. He said that Quran does not forbid women from taking any leading position as judge, engineer or president of a state. He blamed tradition, not religious rules, for preventing women in Saudi Arabia from driving. The Islamic preacher said the freedom is one of the main principles of Islam, which the Prophet Mohamed urged to protect. He told the attendees an Islamic story that took place in the era of Omar Ibn al-Khattab which reflects Islam's respect to freedom and justice: A Coptic Christian man went to Omar Ibn Al-Khattab to complain of Amr Bin Al-Aas' son, who assaulted the son of the Coptic man, so Omar ordered the Coptic son to assault Amr's son and then asked him to assault Amr himself, but the boy and his father refused. Swidan said freedom means people may act and say whatever they want without harming others. He thanked God that he saw the great revolution of Egypt which liberated the country from discrimination and injustice. He stressed that people are free to choose their religion, and Islam provided the people the right to choose their religion. He also confirmed that Islam is a religion of tolerance and does not order the killing of persons who convert from Islam to other religions. He said the Prophet's saying which ordered killing those who left Islam was aimed at punishing Jews who manipulated Islam during the Prophet's time. Swidan emphasized the importance of the political multiplicity saying that Christians, Jews and atheists should be represented through political parties. He said that if Egypt implements Sharia, Islamic Law, Christians and Jews will enjoy freedom and prosperity. He also demanded that the Egyptian constitution should ensure the citizens rights to demonstrate in legal ways. He expressed his support for the January 25 Revolution, refusing the calls which were promoted to prohibit the demonstrations. He also refused all forms of cooperation with Israel, considering closing the Rafah crossings as cooperation with Israel.
