New Muslim televangelists spread a moderate message

CAIRO-In the conflict-ridden Middle East, moderate Muslim televangelists are challenging Islamic fundamentalists, preaching a new blend of piety and modernity over the airwaves of satellite TV. Moez Masoud, a 29-year-old former advertising executive who turned to religion after the death of several close friends, is one of the new breed. “It’s not good to separate […]

CAIRO-In the conflict-ridden Middle East, moderate Muslim televangelists are challenging Islamic fundamentalists, preaching a new blend of piety and modernity over the airwaves of satellite TV. Moez Masoud, a 29-year-old former advertising executive who turned to religion after the death of several close friends, is one of the new breed. “It’s not good to separate religion from life because life will turn into a jungle,” he said at a recent appearance at a cultural center here. “Let’s take a closer look at religion and it won’t seem so gloomy.” His message is a call for compassion, for love and for tolerance and respect, and his ideas are a breath of fresh air for many young Arabs. In stark contrast to Islamist fundamentalists, he tells them they can be good Muslims and also enjoy life.

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