Egypt’s Endowments Minister: Imams Shield 100 Million Egyptians From Extremism

Egypt’s Minister of Endowments, Osama Al-Azhari, has described imams as a bulwark protecting 100 million Egyptians against religious extremism and the practice of declaring others unbelievers.

Al-Azhari stressed that an imam’s responsibilities do not end with his duties inside the mosque. They extend to helping shape public awareness and contributing to the wider life of society.

He said that role includes guiding families and households, placing religious leadership in the context of everyday life rather than limiting it to mosque-based activities.

The minister also emphasized imams’ responsibility to strengthen sound religious and moral values. His remarks framed their work as both a source of community guidance and a defense against extremist thinking.