Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi performed the Eid Al-Adha prayer on Wednesday at the Al-Rahman Al-Rahim Mosque inside the Strategic Command Headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, joined by senior military commanders, religious figures and top state officials in a ceremony highlighting the spiritual and national significance of the Islamic holiday.
According to the Egyptian presidency, President El-Sisi was received upon arrival by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defence Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zaher, alongside Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa.
The Eid prayer was also attended by Ahmed El-Tayeb, Minister of Religious Endowments Dr Usama Al-Azhari, Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber, and Nazir Mohamed Ayyad, in addition to senior military and police commanders, cabinet ministers, state officials and media representatives.
During the ceremony, Al-Azhari delivered the Eid sermon, extending congratulations to President El-Sisi and the Egyptian people on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. The sermon focused on the spiritual meaning of Hajj and the lessons of sacrifice, obedience and faith associated with the pilgrimage season.
Following the prayer, President El-Sisi exchanged Eid greetings with attendees and witnessed the ritual sacrifice ceremony before joining guests for breakfast in the central garden of the Strategic Command headquarters.
The national anthem was played before the president departed the venue.
In a message posted on his official Facebook page, President El-Sisi offered Eid greetings to Egyptians as well as Arab and Islamic nations, expressing hopes for stability, prosperity and peace across the region.
“I extend my sincerest greetings to the great Egyptian people and to the Arab and Islamic nations on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha,” the president wrote.
He added: “I pray that this blessed occasion returns, bringing goodness, prosperity, and blessings to us all. May our countries remain safe and stable, and may the values of peace, love, and cooperation in righteousness and piety always prevail.”
Eid al-Adha, known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is among the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar. Celebrated annually on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, it coincides with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
