Religious institutions demand end to bloodshed

The Endowments Ministry urged polarized political forces to prevent further bloodshed with a swift reconciliation, according to a statement quoted on the state-run Egynews portal.

All Egyptian blood is sacred, the statement continued, condemning the unjust killing of even one citizen.

In an earlier statement, Al-Azhar lamented the bloodshed and strongly condemned the high number of deaths, adding that the violence tainted any attempts to foster reconciliation and unity.

Al-Azhar upholds principles that advocate fighting violence within the framework of the law and in line with human rights, especially the right to live, the statement said.

The statements came after deadly clashes between security forces and supporters of deposed President Mohamed Morsi taking part in the Rabea al-Adaweya sit-in, which left more than 80 dead over the weekend. Al-Azhar urged the interim government to launch an investigation into the incident and hold those responsible accountable, regardless of their political affiliations or positions.

The ministry said Al-Azhar calls on the different parties to sit down immediately on the negotiating table, and conscientiously find a solution to the current crisis.

“There is no alternative to dialogue except bloodshed,” Al-Azhar warned.

However, Dar al-Iftaa — the official religious institution tasked with drafting edicts —  warned against polarizing comments made by certain individuals affiliated with Al-Azhar, which it claims contradict the institution’s official position as an institution, and its Grand Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb.

These conflicting statements come from figures that are “nonpartisan and have political affiliations that push them to prevail for their own narrow interests,” Dar al-Iftaa said, reported the independent newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm.