Imam Swap Roils Cairo: From Zamalek’s Mosque to Al Ahly’s Sheikh Zayed Grotto of Controversy

Background

Al Ahly has long been known for drawing several of Zamalek's brightest performers, yet the latest twist involves a religious leader changing teams rather than a footballer switching benches. The appointment of Sheikh Mohammed Atta, formerly imam and preacher at Zamalek's mosque, to lead the Al Ahly mosque in the Sheikh Zayed branch has sparked wide debate in recent hours, given the sensitive nature of cross-town moves between the clubs.

The Move and Its Context

Over the past years, Al Ahly has recruited a handful of former Zamalek stars such as Mousa Abdel Moneim Kahera, Imam Ashour, Ahmed Mustafa Zizo, and most recently Moroccan Ashraf Ben Sharqi.

Atta commented that his transfer is administrative and carries no ulterior implications beyond his mosque duties.

He noted he spent seven years with Zamalek, under the mosque's umbrella within the North Giza Endowments Authority, which oversees where imams serve.

He also said he recently relocated his residence to Sheikh Zayed and submitted a formal request to move to a mosque near his new home, a request approved by the Ministry of Endowments, which then assigned him to the Al Ahly mosque in Sheikh Zayed.

And yes, this is a serious topic, but as in any urban derby, there’s room for a touch of light humor while the debate rages on.

Punchlines: If a transfer can move a crowd, this one just moved a pulpit. And remember, in football and faith, rivalries get louder—and the sermons get longer—when the cross-town clerk is now the cross-town preacher.