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Dr. Mabrouk Attia, a retired linguistics professor and former dean at Al-Azhar University’s Faculty of Islamic and Arabic Studies, has been referred for investigation due to the content of his Ramadan program on social media, Kalam Mabrouk ("Mabrouk’s Words"). The referral was initiated by Al-Azhar University following backlash over his engagement with controversial topics and figures, including hosting Mahraganat singers Saad El-Soghayar and Hassan Shakoush. Critics argue that such content undermines the dignity expected of an Al-Azhar-affiliated scholar[1].

This is not the first time Dr. Attia has faced controversy. He has previously been criticized for remarks perceived as victim-blaming in the case of Naira Ashraf, a Mansoura University student murdered in 2022. Attia had suggested that women should wear veils to protect themselves, which sparked outrage among women’s rights advocates and led to legal complaints against him for incitement to violence[2][3]. Additionally, he has faced accusations of mocking religious figures, including Jesus Christ, in a speech that led to criminal charges for contempt of Christianity and Islam[4].

Dr. Attia’s referral reflects broader tensions in Egypt regarding freedom of expression and the regulation of religious discourse. Egyptian law mandates that only authorized scholars can issue fatwas or discuss religious matters publicly, with violations leading to legal penalties[1]. This regulatory framework is part of Egypt’s efforts to control religious narratives and prevent extremism but has also been criticized as suppressing dissenting voices[5][6]. Social media platforms have increasingly become battlegrounds for debates on religion, culture, and personal freedoms, often drawing state intervention[7][6].

The controversy surrounding Kalam Mabrouk highlights the intersection of religion, media, and societal norms in Egypt. While some view Dr. Attia’s actions as breaching academic and religious ethics, others see them as part of a larger struggle over freedom of expression in a country known for its strict censorship laws[1][5][6].

1. https://www.ec-rf.net/freedom-of-belief-and-citizenship-bulletin-march-2025/

2. https://www.egyptindependent.com/sheikh-mabrouk-attia-to-suspend-his-social-media-accounts-following-backlash-over-naira-ashraf-murder-comments/

3. https://egyptianstreets.com/2022/06/22/former-al-azhar-dean-condemned-for-victim-blaming-murdered-mansoura-student/

4. https://www.fides.org/en/news/72626-AFRICA_EGYPT_He_mocked_Jesus_An_Al_Azhar_professor_will_be_tried_for_insulting_Christianity_and_Islam

5. https://ifex.org/heightened-digital-oppression-in-egypt/

6. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/egypt-leads-the-pack-in-internet-censorship-across-the-middle-east/

7. https://news.vcu.edu/article/2025/03/researcher-finds-insights-into-social-media-activism-and-journalism-by-exploring-egypt

About Sources:

References provided are generally credible, but their reliability varies depending on the source and context:

1. Egypt Independent ([1],[2]): This publication is a reputable Egyptian news outlet that covers local and international events. Articles from Egypt Independent provide detailed accounts of Dr. Mabrouk Attia’s controversies, including accusations of mocking religious figures and his remarks on women’s attire. These reports appear well-documented, citing reactions from legal experts, human rights organizations, and public figures, making them credible sources for understanding the social and legal implications of the issue.

2. Ahram Online ([3]): Ahram Online is another respected Egyptian news platform that focuses on cultural, political, and social issues. While this particular reference discusses a different scholar (Ali Mabrouk), it reflects the broader intellectual and religious discourse in Egypt. However, it does not directly pertain to Dr. Mabrouk Attia’s case.

3. Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF) ([4]): This bulletin highlights investigations into freedom of belief and citizenship issues in Egypt. It includes references to Dr. Mabrouk Attia’s referral for investigation by Al-Azhar University, providing a credible perspective on the regulatory framework governing religious discourse in Egypt.

In summary, sources[1],[2], and[4] are directly relevant and credible for analyzing Dr. Mabrouk Attia’s situation, while[3] (and rest above) provide backdrop for the text.

Citations:

[1] https://www.egyptindependent.com/mabrouk-attia-accused-of-mocking-christ/

[2] https://www.egyptindependent.com/sheikh-mabrouk-attia-to-suspend-his-social-media-accounts-following-backlash-over-naira-ashraf-murder-comments/

[3] https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContentP/18/193432/Books/Renowned-Egyptian-Islamic-heritage-scholar-Ali-Mab.aspx

[4] https://www.ec-rf.net/freedom-of-belief-and-citizenship-bulletin-march-2025/