Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Egypt has targeted the Muslim Brotherhood control of mosques throughout the country.

Officials said the military-backed regime has ordered the seizure of mosques suspected of being controlled by the Brotherhood, ousted in a coup in July 2013. They said scores of mosques in major cities were believed to be under Brotherhood guidance and would be directed by the state-financed Al Azhar seminary.

“Al Azhar and the Islamic Affairs Ministry are ready to respond to any shortage of preachers and deliver Islam’s message of leniency and openness,” Egyptian Islamic Affairs Minister Mohammed Jumaa said.

In a statement on Jan. 3, Jumaa said his ministry has taken over mosques financed and controlled by the Brotherhood. He said the ministry sent licensed preachers to direct mosque services.

Officials said the government decision was part of the campaign against the Brotherhood, one of whose leaders, Mohammed Morsi, was president for one
year. They said authorities were also seizing Brotherhood assets, including those by leaders of the movement.

The government has determined that the Brotherhood formed more than
1,000 organizations in the areas of health, education and welfare. Officials
said the crackdown would not disrupt services.

“The role of charities and social organizations in easing the burden of
the poor is very significant,” Jumaa said.

Egypt has also lobbied for similar restrictions on the Brotherhood by
members of the Arab League. The league has already deemed the
Brotherhood a “terrorist group,” and Cairo was demanding that members launch
a crackdown.

“We were officially informed of the decision of the government of Egypt,
and our role is to inform member countries,” Arab League assistant
secretary-general Haifa Abu Ghazaleh said.

  Al Azhar, Egypt seizes control of mosques controlled by Muslim Brotherhood, Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Mohammed Jumaa, Mohammed Morsi