Scientists warn of Egypt's 'Arabisation'

The London-based science and technology organization SciDev.net has warned today that Egypt's draft constitution "disappoints scientists."

Article 12 of the draft states;

"The state shall safeguard the cultural and linguistic constituents of society, and foster the Arabisation of education, science and knowledge."

Dedicated to providing reliable and authoritative information about science and technology for the developing world, SciDev cites;

"Some scientists are concerned that its push for the 'Arabisation' of science could isolate it from the global community."

Ehab Abdul Rahman, the director of the Yousef Jameel Science and Technology Research Center at the American University in Cairo, declared

"The Arabisation of education, science and knowledge would isolate Egypt from global scientific progress."

21st Century Fatwas Issued...

It's unclear what the Shari'a-friendly Muslim Brotherhood-dominated Egyptian government defines as "Arabisation."

Examples of recent rulings (fatwas) issued by some of the Muslim-world's most respected teachers and leaders:

Fatwa concerning drinking Mohammed's urine - Egypt’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Ali Gomaa declared drinking the urine of Muhammad is deemed a great blessing.

He is one of the internationally most respected Islamic jurists according to U.S. News & World Report and The National as well as being considered "a highly promoted champion of moderate Islam."