Egypt Daily News – President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended today, Monday, September 16, 2024, the Ministry of Awqaf’s celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, in the presence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Dr. Hanafi Gabali, the Speaker of the Senate Counselor Abdel Wahab Abdel Razek, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Minister of Awqaf Osama Al-Azhari, and several ministers and state officials.
The celebration began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, by Sheikh Abdul Fattah Al-Tarouti.
The Minister of Awqaf, Dr. Osama Al-Azhari, delivered a speech to introduce the noble biography of the Prophet and the virtue of celebrating this occasion.
The Minister of Awqaf began his speech by extending congratulations to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the esteemed attendees. He emphasized that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came to promote civilization and strongly prohibited corruption on earth, as well as the destruction of crops and progeny.
He urged his companions to engage in trades and professions and encouraged them to do so. As Egyptians, we are making every effort, under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, to extinguish the flames of war in Gaza and the West Bank.
We refuse to allow our brothers to be displaced from their land and call upon them to hold steadfastly to their homeland, no matter the heavy sacrifices involved.
After his speech, the Minister of Awqaf presented President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi with a gift from the Ministry of Awqaf, which was a copy of the Holy Quran.
Following that, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi delivered a speech on this blessed and fragrant occasion.
Below is the text of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s speech during the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday:
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
The virtue of the Grand Imam… Sheikh of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif,
The esteemed scholars and imams… Ladies and gentlemen,
“Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings.”
We gather today to celebrate, along with the Islamic nation, the anniversary of the birth of the Seal of the Prophets and Messengers, may God’s blessings and peace be upon him. This blessed day, on which Allah Almighty permitted the sun of prophetic guidance to shine upon the world with His birth (peace be upon him).
It gives me great pleasure, on this blessed and fragrant occasion, to extend my congratulations to the noble people of Egypt, and to all Arab and Islamic nations. I ask Allah, the Almighty, to bring it back to the Egyptian people; to the Arab and Islamic nations; and to the whole world, with goodness, prosperity, and blessings.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The celebration of the anniversary of the Prophet’s birth revives in our hearts the true meanings of humanity; for his birth (may God’s blessings and peace be upon him) was a revival of humanity and an honor to it.
Perhaps our celebration today represents an opportunity to reflect on his great biography (peace be upon him) and to reinforce the concepts of the message of Islam in our minds, which have elevated humanity to its highest levels.
I have drawn for humanity a path of love and brotherhood, through an ethical system that aims to unite rather than divide, and to build rather than destroy. It is a message that calls for coexistence, construction, and development, where the verses of the Holy Quran have shown that one of the highest purposes of creation is to build a strong human being, so that he can fulfill the mission entrusted to him by God Almighty, which is to cultivate and develop the universe.
Undoubtedly, the task of building, shaping, and preparing individuals is a collective and integrative responsibility that requires the concerted efforts of religious, scientific, cultural, youth, and media institutions, and above all, the family.
Let us build together a strong, aware, and wise individual, who contributes to his homeland in various fields, to be a role model and a good example of the teachings of his religion. A person with a strong and sound character; capable of overcoming difficulties and facing challenges; and building progress, civilization, and development.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The saying of our noble Messenger, “I was only sent to perfect good character,” is indeed a call for all of us to embody good morals in all aspects of our lives. In this regard, we look forward to further efforts in human development; morally, scientifically, culturally, intellectually, and qualitatively, through the use of all modern means and advanced methods that align with the nature of the era and its developments.
Let humanity engage with others based on noble principles that encompass goodness, benefit, kindness, compassion, and mercy towards all people, so that all nations can live in an atmosphere of peace and security. When faced with differences, their approach should be grounded in dialogue and persuasion.
Without coercion or abuse.
In conclusion, I affirm that we are in urgent need of doubling the efforts made by all state institutions, especially religious institutions, in the areas of human development, instilling values, promoting enlightened moderate thought, and confronting extremist and destructive ideas. I also affirm that the Egyptian state spares no effort in providing all the support and creating the appropriate environment to ensure the success of these efforts.
Thank you.
Wishing you well every year, and may Egypt, the Islamic nation, and all of humanity be in goodness, safety, and prosperity.
“Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah, and His blessings.”
