An Islamic research centre in Cairo has issued a religious edict saying it is the Egyptian government's sacred duty to pay 20% of its oil revenues to the poor.

The Islamic Research Centre, Sunni Islam's highest authority, issued the fatwa arguing that zakat, or the giving of alms, is one of the five pillars of Islam. The announcement will put pressure on the government, already facing widespread discontent over food prices.

However, a finance ministry official said the fatwa was "a religious matter". Egypt's oil and gas exports will be worth more than 10.1 billion US dollars this year.

Around 40% of Egyptians live on around two US dollars a day.

Article courtesy of Panos London

[17 Jun 2008 08:20]

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