Negad Elborai: I am a human first

Mr. Negad Elbora’i is a Muslim lawyer and Human Rights activist based in Cairo. Mr. Negad’s group runs international programs for Egyptian, Jordanian, and Lebanese young activists to promote human rights in the region. He shared his thoughts with AIC on a number of issues related to religious freedom.

AIC: Do you consider yourself religiously observant?

Mr. Negad: No.

AIC: What is your overall feeling regarding the right and ability of the individual to practice religion unimpeded in Egypt?

Mr. Negad: In terms of belief, people are free to hold any religious beliefs. Regarding religious practice that depends on the circumstances. There are times when religious practice isn’t so free.

AIC: What do you see as the greatest challenge(s) to religious freedom in Egypt?

Mr. Negad: Traditions. The perception that Egypt is a Muslim country, rather than a nation of people that happens to be majority Muslim is a prevalent belief that challenges religious reform efforts.

AIC: Can you describe any instances of religious discrimination in Egypt?

Mr. Negad: The Bahaii – They are discriminated against in many areas.

AIC: Is this [discrimination] on a primarily governmental or individual level?

Mr. Negad: Governmental to a certain extent. The law itself doesn’t recognize Bahaii [as a legitimate religion].

AIC: Can you highlight any great achievements towards religious freedom in Egypt?

Mr. Negad: The situation for the Coptic Christians today is greatly improved over what it was just two years ago.

AIC: Do you support the idea of a ‘religious government’? Do you think that Egypt’s government should be completely secular, more religious, or maintained?

Mr. Negad: We need a secular government. I believe in a government that is secular; religious practice should be kept in the church, mosque or synagogue.

AIC: If you were a government minister working towards religious reform, what would you do, and what challenges would you face?

Mr. Negad: The educational curriculum. I would start with al-Azhar, separating its ties to the government. Religion shouldn’t be institutionalized.

AIC: Do you consider religious extremism to be a fringe group, or do you think that is has or is becoming a mainstream occurrence?

Mr. Negad: Regionally and locally, religious extremism is neither fringe nor mainstream. It is still rare, but it is trending towards becoming more common.

AIC: Who is responsible for the trend towards religious extremism?

Mr. Negad: That fluctuates. Many parties bear responsibility. In the past, al-Azhar was a main contributor. Today it is greatly improved. Now many Church leaders, such as members of the Coptic Church, promote intolerance and extremism.

AIC: Do you think that religion is too political?

Mr. Negad: Not necessarily. Everything depends on the interpretation of religion.

AIC: Do you have more faith in religious leaders or in politicians?

Mr. Negad: That depends on the situation. Certain politicians are more trustworthy than many religious leaders, and vice-versa.

AIC: Do you consider any religion to be more tolerant or less tolerant? Why?

Mr. Negad: Religions themselves are not a problem. It is the interpretation of religion that should be discussed. That is where there are differences the degree of tolerance.

AIC: Do you consider yourself first Egyptian, or first Muslim, Christian, Bahaii, Jewish, etc?

Mr. Negad: I am first a human. Other characteristics, Egyptian, Muslim, lawyer, etc. are only situational, but human being is the one immutable characteristic of my identity.