Egyptian scholar calls for national unity

A senior Islamic scholar from Cairo's al-Azhar mosque has called for national reconciliation in Egypt through political consultation. Sheikh Metwally el-Saidi told worshippers during his Friday sermon that national unity is the key to prosperity, urging the government, army and security forces to give priority to the national interest. "We must achieve national reconciliation through consultation. Al-Azhar supports the request of Grand Iman of al-Azhar Ahmed el-Tayeb, that everyone from the people, to the police, ?army, government, individuals, groups and parties, should unite and put aside their ?political and partisan conflicts."? The preacher advised Egyptians to follow teaching of Prophet Mohammed, when it comes to unity in leadership. He invited scholars from various factions to work together, so that Egypt could restore its prosperity, security and stability.? "Islam prohibits violence and the killing of innocent people. God has honoured the human soul and forbids murder," he asserted. After the prayers, worshippers gathered outside the mosque in two separate groups. On one side, supporters of the armed forces raised banners with the words: "The army and the people are united," while supporters of ousted president Mohammed Morsi repeatedly chanted the word "legitimacy."