Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood leader says not to fast: You need your strength for battle

The Times of Israel is reporting that the spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood is suspected of being behind several tweets telling members to quit fasting for Ramadan so they’ll be strong enough to battle for ousted President Mohammed Morsi’s return.

Mohammed Badie reportedly sent out a series of tweets — from a Twitter account separate from one under his own name — to Muslim Brotherhood members noting that since they were in a “state of jihad,” and would soon embark on a battle to bring back Mr. Morsi, they could break their fasts without violating Muslim rules regarding Ramadan, The Times of Israel reported.

Islam tradition allows for the suspension of fasts in times of combat, Mr. Badie said.

The tweets purportedly came from a Twitter account run by the media arm of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Guidance department, according to the Times of Israel.  

In one tweet, he compared the military coup against Mr. Morsi to the Battle of Badr, which pitted Islam’s Prophet Mohammed against the tribe of Quraish in the year 624. Muslim Brotherhood officials are now preparing for “the second Battle of Badr,” on the anniversary date of the first — July 26, the Times reported.

Mr. Badie’s tweets came as thousands of Muslim Brotherhood supporters marched to Egypt’s National Security building to demand the reinstatement of Mr. Morsi.

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Muslim Brotherhood spokesman Gehad El-Haddad vehemently denied Mr. Badie was behind the tweets. He told The Washington Times that the Times of Israel report was “all lies.”

“Mr. Badei does not have this Twitter account and nor has he sent any such messages,” Mr. El-Haddad insisted.