Al Azhar’s Sheikh, Ahmad al-Tayīb, openly spoke out against the proposed change, saying Article II must remain as it is. This is because of his wish to protect minorities and prevent rifts within the Egyptian Islamic world: indeed, not all Muslims agree with the way of implementing the Sharia principles supported by the Salafis. But al-Tayīb’s opposition has sparked stinging criticisms against him by al Nour’s leaders. The Salafis did not respond too kindly to the leaders of the Muslim Brothers’ defence of Al Azhar’s Sheikh either, reminding them that Mursi was elected president thanks to their vote.
Christian Copts see the proposed change as unacceptable. Indeed, they their own suggestions for a change to Article II: they would like to add a phrase to the current provision, which specifies that “non Muslims can refer to their own religious laws for issues relating to religion and the status of individuals. But Salafis have another bone to pick with Cairo’s Christians: they did not appreciate the fact that during the election campaign Mursi (and his adversary Shafiq) promised the Vice-Presidency to a Copt. Indeed, they are doing all they can to prevent this from happening. On the other hand, Copts want the Vice-President to be a figure that is truly representative of the community and not just a Christian façade. Two names have been circulating so far: tourism minister ‘Abd al-Nūr and the entrepreneur Hānī ‘Azīz.
Meanwhile, the Sharia issue is also causing a stir in nearby Tunisia. Here, in March, the Islamic party Ennhada had agreed not to add an explicit reference to the law in its Constitution, confirming the status quo. But this move angered radical Islamists, with Al Qaeda’s leader al Zawahiri cursing what had happened in Tunisia. Now increasing pressure is being put on Ennhada to reverse its decision.