Egypt Mufti condemns ban of Islam in Angola

Egypt's Mufti Dr Shawqi Allam has denounced a decision by Angola to ban the Muslim religion, considering Muslims an "unwelcome sect". The mufti also condemned a wide campaign in Angola to demolish mosques and prevent Muslims from practicing their rituals. This indicates a spirit of intolerance and is provocative to not only the Muslims of Angola but all the Islamic world, Shawqi said. This constitutes racism against a world population of 1.5 billion Muslims, he noted. It is like inciting extremism against Muslims in Angola, Shawqi said, noting that this does not serve coexistence and intercultural dialogue that Muslims are seeking to achieve. It is a dangerous development against humanitarian values and freedoms, Shawqi said, pointing that the Angolan decision violates human rights and foments hatred for and extremism against Muslims. He urged the international community, rights organizations and leaders and peoples of the world to stand up to such racist violations that fuel hatred and violence.