Story By: Lisa-Maria Goertz, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

An Egyptian charity is giving families who name their newborn son Mohammed a cash reward to counter anti-Islamic campaigning.

The initiative was started by a charity called Smlla Youth Charitable Organization in the northern Egyptian province of Gharbia.

According to national newspaper Gulf News, the idea behind the campaign is to offer support to families bringing a new child into the world during the financial difficulties being faced during the COVID-19 crisis and at the same time combat alleged anti-Islamic sentiments.

Gulf News reports that the Muslim Council of Elders reported what they call “a systematic campaign” against the Prophet and Islam religion under the banner of free speech.

In a bid to combat this, the charity is offering a cash gift of EGP 300 (GBP 14) and a years salary, paid every month to anybody who calls their newborn baby Mohammed.

According to Gulf News, the council said during the meeting that the guise of freedom of expression should not be used to violate the rights of others or be exploited for religious or political purposes.

Mohammed is a popular name in Islam and as is a tradition many Muslim sons have two first names, the first being Mohammed as a sign of veneration to the Prophet and the second the name they are addressed by.

Daughters are commonly called Khadija, the name of the wife of Mohammed.

There is no mention whether there will be an equivalent support for baby girls.

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