Al-Azhar announced that any Muslim setting himself ablaze in order to protest against the current social or political state, or because he has failed to solve a personal problem, is considered to have committed a sin.

Scholars and members of the Islamic Research Academy have also issued a fatwa against groups that have launched websites and blogs allegedly encouraging people to immolate themselves in protest against their government and rulers in an attempt to lead to a people’s revolt.

Scholars asked Muslims to boycott such calls.

At least three people have set themselves on fire over the past few days in Cairo and Alexandria, protesting unemployment.