AL Arabiya News Channel Newspaper cancels publishing controversial prophet book

Egypt website hacked for 'trial of prophet' book

Hackers left a message accusing the website of apostas

CAIRO (Amira Fouda)

The website of an Egyptian newspaper was hacked on Sunday after it had announced plans to print a book titled “The Trial of Prophet Muhammad” and deemed to use offensive language in reference to the Muslim prophet.

" This is how they welcome the Holy month of Ramadan, by hurling insults at the prophet " Egypt\\\'s Council of Senior Scholars Al-Youm al-Sabea (The Seventh Day) newspaper stirred a wide uproar when it announced last week it would print the book, which contains chapter titles perceived by critics as sensational and offensive such as: “The red secrets of the prophet’s relationships with women” and “Why did he fight his enemies with the sword?”  Hackers left a message denouncing the book, by Egyptian writer Anis al-Degheidi, and accusing the website’s administration of promoting apostasy and spreading sedition.   The message also contained references to sectarian conflicts in Egypt and the alleged violations committed by the Coptic Church against Muslims. Hackers also posted 100 questions and answers about the Christian doctrine.   Announcing the publication of Degheidi’s books drew angry reactions from religious circles in Egypt and the Council of Senior Scholars at al-Azhar, the world’s leading institution of Sunni Islam, which issued a statement condemning the newspaper for "helping to promote books that defame the prophet." “This is how they welcome the Holy month of Ramadan, by hurling insults at the prophet,” the statement said. “This is an unforgivable crime and an apology is not going to fix it.” The statement demanded journalists in the newspaper to express their views on the issue and to identify those involved in pushing forward to idea of publishing the book. “They have to issue a blacklist that contains the names of all accomplices in this horrid crime.” Egyptian lawyer Nabih al-Wahsh also filed a lawsuit calling for revoking the license of the paper and banning it from publication.

Editor-in-chief denies allegations " I personally objected to the title of the book.But the book itself is excellent. I read it myself and it has nothing that defames the prophet " Khaled Salah, editor in chief Al Youm Al Sabea Khaled Salah, editor-in chief of the paper and the website, expressed his surprise that the hacking took place even though an announcement was made Friday that the book would not be posted unless authorized by al-Azhar.  “I personally objected to the title of the book,” he told Al Arabiya. “But the book itself is excellent. I read it myself and it has nothing that defames the prophet.” Salah denied allegations that his website receives donations from Coptic organizations and accused the hackers and other extremist groups of spreading lies to create more tensions between Muslims and Copts. “They are adding fuel to the fire and escalating sectarian tension. Copts have nothing to do with this. These are extremist agents.”   Degheidi was not available to comment on the incident. He switched off his cell phone and Al Arabiya was not able to reach him.   (Translated from Arabic by Sonia Farid and edited by Mustapha Ajbaili).