Khaberni - The Rifa'i Sufi order in Egypt expressed its dismay and condemnation of what is happening at Imam Al-Rifa'i Mosque in the Citadel area due to negligence that has reached the point of corruption, through attempts to turn the mosque into a tourist attraction without maintaining religious rites.
This included allowing some visitors, including Iranian tourists, to enter the mosque with their shoes on, without respect for the sanctity of the place, as well as other disrespectful incidents at the tomb of the Shah of Iran, the most prominent of which involved an Iranian dancer. Videos of an Iranian wedding ceremony held inside the tomb with unusual rituals not related to Islamic Sharia also surfaced.
Iranian Wedding
This explicitly contradicts the decision of the Minister of Religious Endowments issued years ago, which prohibits marriage contracts or hosting wedding ceremonies inside mosques. However, what happened exceeded that, as the wedding was held with inappropriate rituals under a false guise of commemorating an anniversary, even though the official date for this anniversary is October 26, while the ceremony took place on October 27.
The Rifa'i Sufi order stated: "As we have been informed, this wedding was conducted by those in charge of the archaeological site without any official permits, involving suspected financial corruption manifested in receiving amounts of money in foreign currency without issuing official receipts, which necessitates an immediate investigation."
The Rifa'i Sufi order confirmed that many practices within the archaeological area of Imam Al-Rifa'i Mosque urgently need to be reviewed, to prevent exploiting the mosque and its shrines for personal interests, and to preserve its sanctity and its rich Sufi history, considering it spiritual heritage for millions of followers of the Rifa'i Sufi order.
Severe deterioration and call for urgent investigation
The Rifa'i Sufi order demanded that the Egyptian Prime Minister, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and the head of the Islamic Antiquities Sector, urgently intervene and launch an investigation into the conditions of the Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i areas, which are heading towards serious deterioration due to some individual practices.
The Rifa'i Sufi order confirmed its rejection of double standards, as its celebrations are banned inside the mosque under the pretext of preserving the monument and preventing any flammable materials, while at the same time, the use of candles and hosting weddings for foreigners inside the mosque are allowed out of personal interest.
The Rifa'i Sufi order emphasized the importance of preserving the dignity of Imam Al-Rifa'i Mosque and maintaining its spiritual and historical status, as what is currently happening affects the feelings of millions of its followers, and constitutes a clear violation of the sanctity of God's houses, which the Rifa'i Sufi order will not accept or remain silent about.
