Egypt changes Brotherhood founder mosque's name

Cairo - As a part of the relentless crackdown launched by Egyptian authorities against Islamist group, the authorities have changed the name of a mosque in a Delta town, from "Hassan Al Banna's mosque" to become “Al Rahma's mosque,” officials said on Monday, May 29.

The mosque in the town of Damanhur has been changed to "Al-Rahma" instead of "Hassan Al-Banna," Al-Banna is the founder of the now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. A committee has been set up to take care of the site, Mokhtar Jumaa, Minister of Endowments, said.

The minister added that two local officials from the ministry will be investigated for dereliction of duty for failure in changing the name of the mosque earlier and bring it under state's control.

The issue gained the interest of authorities after viewing online posts by activists, containing photos of the mosque with Al Banna’s name and the Brotherhood emblem appearing on its front.

The whistle-blowers said that convicted members of the Brotherhood used to huddle inside the mosque built as pat of a residential building. It was not immediately clear when the mosque was constructed.

Egypt designated the Brotherhood a terrorist group in late 2013, months after the army deposed President Mohammad Morsi, a senior official in the group, following enormous protests against his rule. The group was accused of involvement in a series of deadly attacks in the country.

Religious authorities have since tightened their grip on mosques across mostly Muslim Egypt, denying the Brotherhood and allied groups as the main forum to influence devout Muslims.

“Now that the mosque has come under the supervision of the Waqfs Ministry, any activities violating the ministry’s rules will be prohibited,” Shaikh Naji Fathi, the newly appointed imam of the mosque, said.

“Vigilance is needed from everyone, state officials and citizens,” MP Omar Hamrush told the same paper. “Egypt is facing big challenges and is fighting against terrorism.”