CAIRO, Aug 5 (Aswat Masriya) – Egypt's former Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa has survived an assassination attempt on Friday in 6th October city, state's TV reported.

The Grand Mufti is the state’s top religious authority who is authorised to issue religious edicts or fatwas and interpret the teachings of Islam.

According to a source in Giza security directorate, a masked man opened fire on Gomaa as he was on his way to lead the Friday prayers.

The source said that Gomaa’s guard was injured but the perpetrator fled the scene.

Gomaa served as Egypt’s Grand Mufti from 2003 -2013 and some of his fatwas have sparked controversy in the past.