Egypt to remain land of security, peace, dignity despite threats

President attends celebration marking Prophet Mohamed’s birth

“Nation ready to face present, future challenges”

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi attended on Wednesday morning the official celebration of the marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), at Al-Manara International Convention Centre.

Marking 1,500 years since the Prophet’s birth, the celebration was attended by Prime Minister Dr Moustafa Madbouli, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr Ahmed el-Tayeb, Minister of Waqfs (Religious Endowments), Dr Osama el-Azhari, Grand Mufti Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayad, along with the Speakers of the House of Representatives and the Senate, ministers, and senior state officials.

The celebration opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by speeches from President Sisi and religious leaders and a special documentary titled “Mercy to the Worlds”. A poetic recitation titled “1,500 Years of the Birth of Our Prophet Muhammad” and two spiritual songs were integrated in the ceremony.

In his speech, President Sisi reflected on the significance of the occasion and the enduring moral legacy of the Prophet, stating: “Our celebration of the Prophet’s birthday represents a great opportunity to revive the system of Muhammadan values and morals,” emphasising the importance of ethics in daily life — from honouring children and women to upholding truth, loyalty, and courage.

He used the occasion to call for a renewed societal commitment to the principles exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). “This is how we should translate our love for his great status — into action programmes illuminated by the light of faith and love for God and His Messenger,” Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed el-Shennawy quoted the president as saying.

He noted that the president emphasised the responsibility of state institutions in carrying forward this mission, noting: “The Egyptian state is determined to move forward — motivating all state institutions, whether religious or educational to promote a system of lofty moral values that build humanity on thought, knowledge, and creativity.”

Before concluding, the President assured the Egyptian people of the nation’s readiness to face present and future challenges.

“We are confident in God Almighty’s help, relying on the resilience of our people, and our capabilities to provide a safe and stable life for our citizens across the nation,” the president said.

He affirmed that, regardless of threats, “Egypt will remain — God willing — a land of security, peace, and dignity.”

At the conclusion, President Sisi extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Egyptian people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the world, praying that this anniversary brings continued “goodness, blessings, and prosperity” to Egypt and all humanity.

During the activities of the ceremony, the president presented some awards, honouring distinguished scholars from Al-Azhar and the Ministry of Endowments with the First Class Order of Science and Arts.

In a moving tribute to self-sacrifice, the First-Class Order of Merit was posthumously awarded to the late Khaled Mohamed Shawky Abdel Aal, who lost his life heroically saving others during a fuel tanker fire.