Christians Should "Convert, Pay Tribute, or Leave," Says Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood Candidate?

by Raymond Ibrahim
May 30, 2012 at 4:00 am

https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3083/egypt-christians-convert-pay-tribute-leave

"They need to know that conquest is coming, that Egypt will be Islamic, and that they must pay jizya or emigrate," Morsi reportedly said.

According to the popular Egyptian website, El Bashayer, Muhammad Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood presidential candidate, just declared that he will "achieve the Islamic conquest (fath) of Egypt for the second time, and make all Christians convert to Islam, or else pay the jizya," the additional Islamic tax, or financial tribute, required of non-Muslims, or financial tribute.

In a brief report written by Samuel al-Ashay and published by El Bashayer on May 27, Morsi allegedly made these comments while speaking with a journalist at the headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, adding "We will not allow Ahmed Shafiq [his contending presidential candidate] or anyone else to impede our second Islamic conquest of Egypt."

After his interviewer pointed out that the first Muslim conquest of Egypt was "carried out at the hands of Amr bin al-As [in 641]," he asked Morsi, "Who will the second Islamic conqueror be?" Morsi, replied, "The second Muslim conqueror will be Muhammad Morsi," referring to himself, "and history will record it."

When asked what he thought about many Christian Copts coming out to vote for his secular opponent, Ahmed Shafiq, Morsi reportedly said, "They need to know that conquest is coming, and Egypt will be Islamic, and that they must pay jizya or emigrate."

If this interview is accurate, certainly Morsi would not be the first political Islamist in Egypt to say he wants to see the nation's Christians subjugated and made to pay jizya (see here for more examples).

However, considering that the English language media are currently reporting that Morsi is trying to woo Egypt's Christians and women to win more votes, it is difficult to imagine that he actually made those comments: one does not doubt that he favors the idea of a "second Islamic conquest" and the subjugation of Christians; one doubts that he would be so foolish as to reveal his mind now, publicly, and thereby jeopardize his chances of winning the presidency.

Then again, his remarks are reported in the context of a private meeting at the headquarters of the Brotherhood's political party. Perhaps Morsi thought he was speaking to a fellow Islamist who would not expose him? Perhaps he was frustrated at having to win Copts over and was "venting"? Stay tuned.

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Related Topics: Egypt, Persecution of Minorities

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Comment on this item

3 Reader Comments

Rebecca Smith • Sep 23, 2012 at 14:57

I guess you never read about how Muslims say one thing to the western media and then say the complete opposite in Arabic to their own people? Considering the FOUL treatment of Christians in Egypt, I have no doubt what-so-ever that this is what he said and what he will implement. I can't believe you said 'considering what the WESTERN media is reporting, I find it hard to believe he said that'...why? Because 'western media' is so unbiased and honest? What a JOKE. Why would it be foolish for him to announce it? A poll in Egypt showed an 86% approval for the death penalty for apostates, gays, adulterers & blasphemers. He didn't need the vote of Christians.

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Beshoy • Aug 31, 2012 at 07:40

I just wanted to commend you on writing an eloquent article. I just have a few observations:

First, the interview is not accurate at all. It is actually humorously fabricated and inconsistent with Morsi's during his campaign. If you read the comments below the article, you will find that most people of the Egyptian readers agree as well. Second, El Bashayer is neither a reliable nor popular source for Egyptian news. It is actually well known for its one-sided sensationalisim and igniting controversial topics to increase profit.

As a Coptic Christian myself, I understand the reasons why it would be fabricated, in order to fuel the heightened and exaggerated fear associated with the Muslim Brotherhood president. However, we have to wake up and realize that dictatorship has no place in Egypt, and the violation of any rights will result in punishment.

Thank you for a great article.

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Imnokuffar • May 30, 2012 at 12:36

What does not amaze me is that Muhammad Morsi probably said these things. What does continue to amaze me is the ignorance of the Western media and political classes in generally supporting the Arab Spring. There never was going to be a democratic revolution in any of the involved countries. This outcome was predictable by those who know anything about Islam. Nevertheless, those from this category who chose to speak out were labeled as anti-democratic for not supporting the protests. This will end up in a bloodbath of monumental proportions (particularly for the non-Muslim minorities), give sustenance to the jihadis in Europe and elsewhere, and promote even more terrorism. Above all, I hope the uprisings will awaken people to the truly terrible prospects in front of them. I admire your work Mr. Ibrahim; may it long continue.

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