Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended a grand celebration on Wednesday marking the birth anniversary of the Prophet Mohamed (Mawlid al-Nabawi), in a ceremony held at the Al-Manara International Conference Center in Cairo. The event brought together senior state officials, religious leaders, and cultural figures in a reflective commemoration steeped in both spiritual reverence and political symbolism.
Among the high-profile attendees were Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb, Minister of Awqaf Dr. Osama Al-Azhari, Grand Mufti Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayad, along with the Speakers of the House of Representatives and the Senate, several ministers, and senior members of the Egyptian state.
Presidential spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy released official photos from the event, which began with a recitation from the Qur’an, followed by a speech from Minister Al-Azhari, who also presented a commemorative gift to the president. A documentary film titled “Mercy to the Worlds” was screened, reflecting on the Prophet’s life and message. This was followed by a keynote speech by Grand Imam El-Tayeb and artistic presentations including a poem titled “1,500 Years Since the Birth of Our Prophet Mohamed (Peace Be Upon Him)” and two spiritual songs: “Muhammad, O Messenger of God” and “Mohamed Our Prophet.”
President El-Sisi awarded several distinguished scholars from Al-Azhar and the Ministry of Awqaf with the First-Class Order of Sciences and Arts. He also posthumously honored Khaled Mohamed Shoukry Abdel Aal, a fuel truck driver who died heroically after a fuel explosion at a station in 10th of Ramadan City. His selfless act in protecting others during the tragedy was described as an extraordinary example of courage, sacrifice, and altruism. He was awarded the First-Class Order of Merit.
During the ceremony, President El-Sisi delivered a speech commemorating the spiritual occasion. In parallel, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar used his platform to issue a powerful condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, drawing attention to the suffering of Palestinian children and accusing the international community of double standards.
“Innocent children in Gaza are being starved until their skin clings to their bones, only to be lured into zones of relentless bombardment,” El-Tayeb declared. “All this is happening under the watch of those who claim to champion democracy and human rights.” He lamented the silence of global powers and human rights advocates in the face of the ongoing atrocities.
El-Tayeb also criticized the moral hypocrisy in international politics, stating that the world has failed the people of Gaza. He reaffirmed that Al-Azhar would continue to be the unwavering voice of justice for the oppressed worldwide.
The Grand Imam connected the spiritual legacy of the Prophet Mohamed to present-day struggles, describing the Prophet’s birth not merely as the coming of a great leader, but as the advent of a divine message that transcends borders, time, and ethnicity. “This year, we commemorate 1,500 years since his birth, a centennial milestone that comes once in a hundred years. May it be a sign of relief for the oppressed and hope for the downtrodden,” he said.
Highlighting the Prophet’s defining attribute mercy El-Tayeb elaborated on how this principle guided all aspects of his life and teachings, including during times of conflict. He cited Islamic jurisprudence on warfare, which emphasizes strict ethical constraints: prohibiting the killing of non-combatants such as children, women, the elderly, and religious figures, and restricting combat to self-defense.
Quoting famed Arab literary figure Mustafa Sadiq Al-Rafi’i, El-Tayeb said, “Muslims, in their battles, carried weapons and carried with them ethics. Behind every weapon stood morality.” He emphasized that Islamic laws of war were a precursor to modern international humanitarian law, with jurists codifying a code of conduct for armed conflict centuries ago.
The Imam drew a stark contrast with modern conflicts, referencing images from Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and other war-torn regions, where children and civilians often bear the brunt of the violence. “Unlike the principles of Islam, today’s wars often erase distinctions between combatants and innocents,” he warned.
In a deeply historical and emotional appeal, El-Tayeb referenced the Crusader occupation of Jerusalem, which lasted nearly a century before the Muslim world united under Salah al-Din (Saladin) to reclaim the city. “History teaches us that when Arabs and Muslims unite, no occupation can last forever,” he said.
Calling for renewed Arab and Islamic solidarity, he stressed that peace and justice cannot be achieved without dignity, fairness, and strength. “We are not advocates of war, but of justice, equity, and mutual respect,” he said. “True peace is built on dignity and power not humiliation, not surrender, and certainly not at the expense of even a grain of our sacred land.”
In closing, the Grand Imam addressed President El-Sisi directly: “At Al-Azhar, we support your firm stance against forced displacement and your defense of the Palestinian cause. May God strengthen your resolve and guide your efforts to protect the rights of the Palestinian people and uphold Egypt’s historic commitment to their struggle.”
