ALBAWABA - The opening of a new mosque in a village in Buhayrah Governorate, northern Egypt, on Friday, sparked significant controversy due to its name: 'Shenouda Mosque'. A name that is commonly associated with Coptic Christians rather than Muslims.
The mosque, covering an area of 150 square meters, was constructed with a total cost of 1.2 million Egyptian pounds through community contributions.
The name of the mosque has triggered extensive debates on social media platforms, with many activists and users urging a name change to avoid any religious sensitivities.
بعد الجدل الذي سببه..
الأوقاف تكشف سر تسمية مسجد شنودة وتقرر تغييره pic.twitter.com/YUlwdJiLCv— شبكة رصد (@RassdNewsN) May 27, 2023
In response to the controversy, the Egyptian Ministry of Awqaf clarified that the mosque was named after the neighborhood in which it is located, Azbat Shenouda.
جدل بعد افتتاح مسجد "شنودة" بالبحيرة ومديرية الأوقاف تقول إن اسمه على اسم القرية.. ما القصة؟ pic.twitter.com/FjbHj30aCI
— الجزيرة مصر (@AJA_Egypt) May 27, 2023
The residents, comprising both Christians and Muslims, share a strong bond and affection for their neighborhood, leading them to insist on naming the mosque after their community.
After engaging with the local residents and convincing them, the mosque's name has been reverted to its original name, 'Abad Al-Rahman'.
Shenouda is a significant name within the Coptic Christian community. It refers to Pope Shenouda III, who served as the 117th Pope of Alexandria and the Patriarch of the See of St. Mark from 1971 until his passing in 2012. Pope Shenouda III was a highly respected figure among Coptic Christians, known for his strong leadership, spiritual guidance, and efforts to preserve the heritage and rights of the Coptic Church. He played a crucial role in promoting interfaith dialogue and fostering unity within the Coptic community. Pope Shenouda III's influence and legacy have made the name "Shenouda" synonymous with the Coptic Christian faith and its rich history in Egypt.
