Egypt’s Grand Mufti arrives on a five-day visit

Likely to endorse fatwa declaring suicide bombing ‘un-Islamic’

ISLAMABAD: After seeking endorsement from Imam-e-Kaaba Dr Saleh bin Muhammad Al Talib, Pakistan is now looking up to the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam, for his crucial support in tackling extremism and prohibiting suicide bombings.

The Grand Mufti arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday on a five day official visit on invitation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony to throw weight behind the ministry’s recent initiative of declaring suicide bombings un-Islamic. Over 1,800 religious scholars from different schools of thought have also signed the fatwa against suicide attacks.



Moreover, the Imam-e-Kaaba has already backed the religious decree. The move is part of the efforts being made by Pakistan to not only create consensus within the country but also seek support from other Muslim countries against suicide attacks. Shawki Allam is also scheduled to attend the March 23, parade in Islamabad during his stay.

Talking exclusively to The Express Tribune, an official privy to his visit said that Egypt has recently translated Paigham-e-Pakistan into Arabic and the main purpose behind the Grand Mufti’s visit is to present this Arabic version to the top military and civil leadership of Pakistan.

“Translating it into Arabic itself reflects Egypt’s full support to Pakistan’s Paigham-e-Pakistan fatwa,” said the official.

On the other hand, a handout issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Tuesday, stated that the Grand Mufti is coming to Pakistan on the federal ministry’s invitation and will meet president Mamnoon Hussain, prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Punjab CM Shehbaz Sharif, and several renowned religious scholars.



During his stay, Shawki Allam is also scheduled to attend a seminar on Paigham-Pakistan at the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) on Wednesday and will also serve as chief guest at a conference promoting interfaith harmony.

Likewise, the grand mufti would also deliver the Friday prayers sermon at Faisal Mosque and visit Behra Sharif, Badshahi Mosque, and Iqbal’s tomb.