Cairo, Egypt – A photograph of the Egyptian Minister of Religious Endowments, Osama al-Azhari, displayed on the facade of the Sayeda Zeinab Mosque in Cairo has ignited a wave of debate on social media platforms.
The image, reportedly showing Minister al-Azhari’s portrait alongside a banner advertising celebrations for the birth of Sayeda Zeinab, a revered figure in Islam, drew criticism from numerous online users. Many questioned the appropriateness of displaying a government official’s image on a house of worship.
“It is unacceptable that state-owned mosques be used for the promotion of any minister, regardless of their position,” one commentator wrote. Others echoed this sentiment, arguing that even if the event was sponsored by the ministry, placing the minister’s image on the mosque’s facade was inappropriate and reeked of excessive flattery.
The banner reportedly read: “Under the patronage of His Excellency Professor Dr. Osama al-Azhari, Minister of Religious Endowments, celebrations for the birth of Sayeda Zeinab, may God be pleased with her. Happy New Year.”
However, some observers defended the display, arguing that it was merely a temporary advertisement for an event held at the mosque under the minister’s auspices. They suggested that the controversy was overblown and that the image was simply intended to acknowledge the ministry’s support. “Why are we making such a big deal out of this?” one commenter asked. “The picture can be removed and that’s the end of it.”
In response to the outcry, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Endowments, Osama Ruslan, stated on social media that the image was not an end in itself but rather aimed to highlight the state’s efforts, as is customary in various institutions. However, this explanation triggered further responses, with users acknowledging the ministry’s work but noting that the display was perceived differently by the public due to the sacred nature of the location.
