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This interview was made by "He" magazine with MR.Amr Khaled in winter 2003
In the following lines you'll read the whole interview
The recent absence of popular Islamic televangelist Amr khaled has triggered a plethora of rumors and reactions with more than 10.000 of Khaled's supporters reportedly signing a petition asking minister of Awqaf (religious endowments) Mohamed Hamdi Zaqzouq, to lift the alleged ban imposed on him.
Muslim Brotherhood MP Hamdi Hassan, one of those questioning the supposed ban, sent a written question to Zaqzouq asking him to explain “why the young preacher was banned“. In the request, Hassan said that Khaled uses “ a straightforward, moderate discourse that appeals to the young“, and that banning him at a time when “Muslims and Islam are accused of terrorism, just seems illogical“.
Until the ban, Khaled was attracting large audiences to his sermons in Egypt and elsewhere in the Arab world. His TV programs, which were broadcast on two satellite channels during Ramadan, have been very popular throughout the Muslim world. The reasons for the ban remain largely unclear. Khaled told forislam.com – the web site for which he write – that “certain authorities“ asked him to give up all da'wa activities, including satellite channel broadcasts, for having “allegedly tackled issues that recently caused problems“. Khaled called these claims “slanderous“, arguing that his sermons “are all there on tapes to prove it“. Although this is not the first time that Khaled has been banned, his sudden migration has inspired a great deal of public clamor, prompting a spokesman from the Ministry of the Interior to tell the Associated Press (AP) that the ministry did not ban Khaled from preaching. The ministry also denied earlier reports that it was responsible for previous crackdowns on Khaled. Khaled has said that a few days before the beginning of Ramadan he was asked by “certain“ authorities to give up da'wa (preaching). Soon after the request was publicly known, it was revealed that he had relocated to the UK preach while studying for a Ph.D. at British University. He Magazine, which profiled Khaled in its October 2003 issue, recently spoke again with the charismatic preacher in a phone interview from London.
What prompted you to relocate to London? Was it related to your banning from preaching in Egypt ?
Actually, I had applied and been accepted to complete my Ph.D. thesis at a university specialized in comparative religions in the UK several months before Ramadan, following the cancellation of my weekly sermons at El Hosary Mosque in 6th of October City. Pursuing studies in London is an excellent chance to further develop my religious knowledge, something I have long wanted to do.
The subject of Ph.D. is the role of prophesy in the reformation of Eastern civilization and comparing it with the west's I also believe that with the accessibility of satellite channels I could continue to talk about God from any place on earth.
Has living in England been a positive or negative experience?
I would say that is a positive experience as it has afforded me the opportunity to become more familiar with the West and to view its societal problems and lifestyle. I believe that this is important specially that nowadays as Muslims and Arabs' in general' lack the proper communication with the West' resulting from differences of language and mentality.
I also feel it is an opportunity to initiate an understanding of Islam in the West through satellite channels.
What about your Ph.D. thesis in London?
The subject of my thesis is related to the reforming of Islamic society and comparing it to Western Judeo-Christian society. Hopefully, this will help bring both civilizations a step closer to understanding and harmony. Thankfully, the thesis's topic was welcomed by the university's officials who've said it is the first to broach the subject in such a manner.
What has been your reaction to the campaign against you?
I look back to the lessons of patience that can be construed from the life and habits of the Prophets. I believe righteousness will triumph and God will stand beside the good people.
Why don't we hear your voice concerning the problems occurring in the world, specially Palestine and Iraq?
I have spoken about the Palestinian cause during many lectures at the mosques and through the satellite channels, particularly about the role of young people. I have received hundreds of emails from people affected by my lectures regarding the Palestinians.
Do you have any relationship with fundamentalists or political Islam?
My message is delivered to the whole world to foster love and good relationships in the hearts of all men.
This does not mean that I am underestimating anybody but my message should be delivered to the whole world. During my period at the university, being aware of all the Islamic lines found in Egypt this was of course an added value to my knowledge and experience.
How do you imagine the perfect relationship between Egyptian Muslims and Christians?
The perfect relationship between Muslims and Christians in Egypt results from living side by side in one country. It is a tenet of Islam that we treat fellow people of the boom with mercy, kindness and justice.
You are said to be a modern Sheikh for today's youth. Is this how you think of yourself?
I act normally and neutrally without any complications or routine. I live among the youth because I am one of them. I go out with them, play football on weekly basis with them.
Who are the “father“ figures you emulate in your religious message?
Sheikh el Ghazaly and Sheikh el Sharaawy.
In your opinion, what is the best way to counteract the negative perceptions of Islam in the West?
First, we have to create the material tools of success, second is to succeed in our prayers by returning to God through understanding our religion and true Islam. As Omar ibn el Khattab, the famous Islamic leader commented in the early days of Islam: “We are Muslims honored and gifted by God with Islam and if we seek for honor in a different way, God will mislead us. “ Which means that by sticking to their religion Muslims will attain the best of everything by the support of God.
The Lebanonese channel LBC presents your programs while Egyptian television does not, what is your comment?
Egyptian television broadcast one of my programs which was called “Islamina” for nine months on Channel 2 for 20 minutes weekly. This program dealt with the behavior which we all love to find within our society like faithfulness, loyalty in everything and respecting our parents. Then the program was canceled. I would really love to have another program on Egyptian television channels.
When will you return to Cairo?
I will return soon insha’allah. I will never abandon the people who want to hear my message. It is rare to find such people of faithfulness and patriotism.
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تنبيه:لن يتم قبول التعليقات التي بغير اللغة العربية أو الانجليزية**
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