A top religious institute in Egypt has called attempts by the Islamic State group to fan sectarianism in the region a "malicious" way to undermine modern societies and states.
The statement today by Dar al-Ifta, one of the region's top religious bodies that advises Muslims on spiritual and life matters, follows a recent audio recording by an alleged IS group member who calls for "purifying" Saudi Arabia from Shiite Muslims.
The audio comes in the wake of recent bombings against Shiite mosques in the kingdom, which has a small Shiite minority.
In a new emphasis to counter extremist ideas, Dar al-Ifta said citizenship, not sects, should be the link between people of the same country. It said the principle of citizenship stands in the way of IS and its goals.
