A new free-to-air satellite television channel
based in Egypt will promote moderate Islam and challenge notions of
extremism when it launches in August, according to its founders, which
include Muslim clerics associated with Egypt’s Al-Azhar University.
Sheikh Khaled el-Guindy, a member of Egypt's Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs and a driving force behind the "Azhari" channel, told the Associated Press the channel would leverage the talents of Al-Azhar graduates to combat incorrect interpretations of the religion.
"Azhari will promote the idea that Islam is a religion of moderation free from extremism," he said.
"Several satellite channels right now promote a strict interpretation of Islam and issue incorrect religious opinions that fill young people with extremist ideas.
"Audiences need people that deal in reality and respect reality and respect changes in the world. These channels don't present these things. Some of these channels are just ignorant of reality," he added, commenting on rival Islamic television channels operating in the MENA region.
The channel will initially be broadcast in English and Arabic, with plans to expand it to Turkish and Hindi.
"The idea is to really show moderate Islam, not this extreme one that is being utilised by others," said Hassan Tatanaki, a Libyan businessman who helped in raising the channel's $US2.7 million in initial funding.
"Our aim is to be able to reach not only the Arab Muslims, but the non-Arab Muslims, mainly in the Far East, the Near East, places like the U.S. and Europe."
by Aaron Greenwood
http://www.satnews.com/story.php?number=2079370630
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