Christians Under Attack

Al-Youm al-Sabea (The Seventh Day) newspaper stirred a wide uproar when it announced last week it would print the book, which contains chapter titles perceived by critics as sensational and offensive such as: “The red secrets of the prophet’s relationships with women” and “Why did he fight his enemies with the sword?”

Hackers left a message denouncing the book, by Egyptian writer Anis al-Degheidi, and accusing the website’s administration of promoting apostasy and spreading sedition.

The message also contained references to sectarian conflicts in Egypt and the alleged violations committed by the Coptic Church against Muslims. Hackers also posted 100 questions and answers about the Christian doctrine.


Announcing the publication of Degheidi’s books drew angry reactions from religious circles in Egypt and the Council of Senior Scholars at al-Azhar, the world’s leading institution of Sunni Islam, which issued a statement condemning the newspaper for "helping to promote books that defame the prophet."

“This is how they welcome the Holy month of Ramadan, by hurling insults at the prophet,” the statement said. “This is an unforgivable crime and an apology is not going to fix it.”

The statement demanded journalists in the newspaper to express their views on the issue and to identify those involved in pushing forward to idea of publishing the book.

“They have to issue a blacklist that contains the names of all accomplices in this horrid crime.”

Egyptian lawyer Nabih al-Wahsh also filed a lawsuit calling for revoking the license of the paper and banning it from publication