Supporters of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi chant slogans as one holds up the Quran, Islam's holy book, during a demonstration after Friday prayers in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, Dec. 14, 2012. Opposing sides in Egypt's political crisis were staging rival rallies on Friday, the final day before voting starts on a contentious draft constitution that has plunged the country into turmoil and deeply divided the nation.(AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Witnesses say a number of people were injured as the fighting spread from the mosque where Friday prayers were held to main roads. Witnesses say extremist supporters of the constitution brandished swords while the opposition hurled stones after the sermon by the Salafi cleric. At least two cars also were set on fire.
Religious authorities had issued orders that mosques should not be used to manipulate Saturday's vote, but several clerics, especially in conservative southern areas, took to the pulpit to tell their congregations that voting in favor of the constitution is seeking victory for Islam.
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