Karam Zohid, head of Al-Gama'a Al-Islamiyya’s consulting council, and Nageh Ibrahim, member of the group's board, have decided to dismantle the current council and step down from their roles.

Both men said they resigned because they want to spread Islam.

Their decision followed severe disagreements within the organization in the wake of the release of Aboud El-Zomor, who was imprisoned for three decades for playing a role in the assassination of former president Anwar Al-Sadaat.

Ibrahim told Ahram Online: “Goodbye leadership and welcome unlimited preaching.

“The administrative responsibilities of Al-Gama'a Al-Islamiyya were heavy on my shoulders the past years … I’m honoured to have taken on that role.

“Along with my brothers in the consulting council, we helped Al-Gama'a Al-Islamiyya overcome some hard times.

“Now with most of its sons released from prison and problems solved, the group is bothered by nothing … everyone has breathed the scent of freedom.”

A committee headed by Abdul-Akar Hamad was formed to lead the group on a temporary basis.