Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi greeted the Egyptian people on Laylat al Qadr, which is observed by Muslims in the last days of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Addressing a ceremony on the occasion of Laylat al Qadrat at Al Manara International Conference Center in New Cairo on Saturday, Sisi wished the Arab and Muslim nations further progress and prosperity.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, Al Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed el Tayyeb, Awqaf Minister Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa attended the ceremony, along with a host of ministers and clergymen.
“Today, as we celebrate this sacred night, I extend my heartfelt prayers to Allah the Almighty to preserve our homeland, bless the efforts of its loyal sons, accept our martyrs and envelop them in His perfect mercy. I pray for the divine guidance to lead and bless us for the greater good and benefit of our dear homeland,” Sisi said.
He also extended congratulations to the memorizers of the Quran, and his greetings to Grand Imam of Al Azhar, as well as the sincere scholars of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Awqaf Ministry, who are dedicated to rectifying misconceptions about the tolerant Islamic faith and its moderate and balanced approach, while combating extremism and fanaticism and confronting distorted ideology.
“The blessed Laylat al Qadr, with the tremendous religious and spiritual meanings it embraces, is a recurring annual occasion, a time for reflection on profound virtues,” Sisi said.
“Allah’s boundless generosity is inextricably intertwined with righteousness, loyalty and diligence, with unwavering faith in earning Allah’s contentment, for the divine blessings and forgiveness are only obtained through hard work and perseverance,” he added.
“Perhaps, these are the values that we need to embrace now more than ever, given the hardships and challenges the loyal sons of Egypt, from all walks of life, are striving to surmount,” Sisi said.
“In their struggle, they are offering an exorbitant price, sacrificing their lives, for the sake of Egypt’s security, safety, and prosperity and for a brighter future,” he said.
Sisi reiterated Egypt’s unequivocal and steadfast solidarity with our Palestinian brethren in the Gaza Strip, reaffirming that Egypt will exert utmost and unyielding efforts to bring an end to the hostilities and ensure the unfettered delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid and relief into the sector.
“I also underscore Egypt’s unshakable commitment to tirelessly strive toward attaining the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of their independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Sisi said.
“In this sacred night, Allah Almighty revealed the Holy Quran, as a source of everlasting guidance for humanity, enduring mercy for all worlds and eternal illumination dispelling the darkness,” Sisi said.
He concluded his remarks by praying to Allah Almighty to guide Egyptians on the path of righteousness and construction, endow them with firm determination in the face of adversity and challenges, and bless their endeavors with success.
Laylat al Qadr – or the Night of Power – is one of the odd-numbered nights during the final 10 days of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is considered to be the most blessed night of the year.
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