Egypt's Grand Mufti Shawky Allam noted Friday that Egypt's "war against terrorism" is not in defence of itself, but for "defending the whole of humanity". The comments were made during his visit to the Diplomatic Academy in Paris, part of a tour to Europe last week, in efforts to "combat terrorism" and eliminate "extremist ideologies". Dar Al-Ifta, Egypt's religious authority for issuing religious verdicts (fatwas), has been engaged in efforts to eradicate "extremist ideologies", with the rise of Islamist groups that undertake extremist and radical Islamic ideologies. The spread of radical Islam allowed the emergence of several anti-Islamist movements in some Western countries. Several Islamophobic crimes living in the West were reported as a result. During his tour, Allam stressed the Muslim presence in Europe is "both vital and positive". He added that Muslims living in Western countries do not seek separation from societies there, but integration while "preserving their identities and rights as citizens without being subjected to offensive words or deeds". "This requires activating the laws which criminalise the propagation of religious hatred," he said. Allam gave a lecture at Leiden University in the Netherlands to clarify and explain "true Islam" in attempts to modify its image. Allam also met with high profile political and executive leaders in Europe, including the Dutch Interior Minister and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. During his meetings, he highlighted Egypt's willingness to cooperate with European countries to promote international peace.
