Alleged Facebook mention in prayer call sparks Egypt outcry

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Cairo - Instead of saying "prayer is better than sleep" twice, Shiekh Mahmoud Maghazi of Beheira province allegedly said: "Prayer is better than Facebook."

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By AP

Published: Mon 31 Aug 2015, 3:56 PM

Last updated: Mon 31 Aug 2015, 5:59 PM

Egyptians in a Nile Delta province are outraged after a cleric allegedly changed a line in the traditional Islamic call to dawn prayers to mention Facebook.
Instead of saying "prayer is better than sleep" twice, as he was supposed to, Shiekh Mahmoud Maghazi of Beheira province allegedly said: "Prayer is better than Facebook." The issue drew nationwide attention when he defended himself against shouted accusations on one of Egypt's most-watched television talk shows, called 10pm, on Sunday.
The country's Religious Endowments Ministry suspended Maghazi after locals complained last week, prompting him to launch a hunger strike and deny that he made the reference.

AP

Published: Mon 31 Aug 2015, 3:56 PM

Last updated: Mon 31 Aug 2015, 5:59 PM

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