Amr khalifa
EGYPT
Amid the spiritual and religious celebrations currently taking place in Egypt to mark the Mawlid (birth anniversary) of the renowned Sufi figure, Sayyid Ahmad al-Badawi, Dr. Osama al-Azhari, the Minister of Endowments, delivered a pivotal address. He spoke at the General Sufi Conference organised by the Supreme Council of Sufi Orders in the city of Tanta held to commemorate the life of the celebrated Sufi master, Imam Sayyid Ahmad al-Badawi. The Minister’s remarks carried profound significance, bridging the realms of faith and national consciousness; he emphasized that honouring spiritual icons and righteous figures is an integral component of the multifaceted Egyptian character.
The Significance of Coincidence: Between Victory and Spiritual Serenity
The Minister of Endowments began his address by reflecting on the historical and situational significance of this year’s celebration, which coincides with the anniversary of the glorious October Victories. Dr al-Azhari asserted that this alignment is not merely a temporal coincidence, but rather a vivid embodiment of the Egyptian spirit a nature that inherently balances a devotion to spiritual values and a love for the righteous with a spirit of self-sacrifice, a commitment to defending the nation’s soil, and a deep pride in the heroism displayed by its people throughout history.
Dr al-Azhari explained that this synthesis lends the occasion both national and lofty spiritual dimensions, fostering psychological and social stability. It reinforces the truth that authentic religious devotion and sincere patriotism are two sides of the same coin. A Scholarly Response to Critics of Mawlid Celebrations: Love Is the Foundation, Errors Should Be Addressed with Gentleness
In a key part of his address, Dr Osama Al-Azhari delivered a decisive and direct message to those who attack the celebrations of the Mawlid (birth anniversaries) of the Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet’s family) and the Awliya (saints/pious figures). The Minister refuted the misconceptions and false notions propagated by some, stating:
“The Mawlid celebrations of the righteous and the ‘people of God’ (Ahl Allah) are neither charlatanism nor sorcery, nor are they a departure from Sharia (Islamic law); rather, they are an expression of love and a means of drawing closer to God Almighty.”
The Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) also addressed instances where individuals might engage in behaviour that deviates from proper conduct during these events. He stated candidly that any improper actions by certain individuals fall outside the bounds of Islamic decorum.
He emphasized that such issues should not be addressed through attacks or exclusion; instead, they require “education, guidance offered with gentleness, and constructive, kind correction.” He stressed that the mistakes of a few ignorant individuals can never serve as a pretext to attack a prominent saintly figure like Sidi Ahmad al-Badawi, nor should they be used to cast doubt on the value of the authentic Sufi tradition.
Moderate Thought in the Face of Extremism and Hardline Ideologies
Al-Azhari noted that the vast crowds who attend and participate in these Mawlid celebrations reflect the moderate, traditional faith of our nation a faith rooted in sincere love for the Awliya and the righteous. Conversely, he characterized those who lead campaigns of attack and scepticism as proponents of hardline ideologies, stemming from a shallow and rigid understanding of the essence of the true religion and its lofty objectives. He highlighted the scholarly and educational approach of Sayyid Ahmad al-Badawi, affirming that he serves as an exemplary model for teaching the nation to love the homeland, adhere to the rulings of Sharia, and uphold its precepts which call for virtue and constructive development.
A Call to Safeguard the Homeland and Confront Rumours
In an appeal marked by deep national concern and political awareness, the Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) warned against malicious attempts aimed at destabilizing the country. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and cautious, stating: “Protect your country and do not listen to those with extremist tendencies people who harbour hatred for Egypt and incite against its president and its institutions. Instead, focus on the remembrance of God, the cultivation of love, and the observance of proper conduct in the company of the righteous; for every mawlid (commemoration of a saint’s birth) serves as a school for learning ethics and noble guidance.”
The Egyptian Minister of Endowments emphasized that adhering to the refined conduct of the righteous and remaining steadfast in the remembrance of God and His Messenger acts as an impenetrable fortress for society against destructive ideologies and calls for incitement and sabotage.
Alignment of Religious Institutions Behind the Political Leadership
During his address, Dr Osama al-Azhari underscored the unity of the religious and national ranks in Egypt, affirming that there is complete harmony and alignment among all official and grassroots religious institutions. He explained that, The Ministry of Endowments, the Egyptian Dar al-Ifta, the Syndicate of the Ashraf (descendants of the Prophet), and the various Sufi orders all stand as a unified bloc behind Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and its esteemed leader, the Grand Imam, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb. The Minister further reaffirmed that all state institutions and the Egyptian people stand united as one heart behind His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. He prayed to God Almighty to grant the President success in all that serves the good of the nation and its people, to bring about prosperity through his efforts, and to protect Egypt and its great people from all harm.
The Fruit of Spiritual Occasions: Serenity and Social Harmony
Concluding his remarks, the Minister of Endowments highlighted the core of the message conveyed by those observing the Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday) describing them as “people of love and purity.” He noted that if participants in these spiritual events were to gain nothing more than inner serenity, a commitment to cooperation in righteousness, and a renewed dedication to safeguarding the nation’s assets, that alone would constitute a significant achievement and a noble objective.
Al-Azhari called upon all Egyptians to embrace the days of the Mawlid as a genuine opportunity to draw closer to God Almighty by fostering love for the righteous and the noble Companions of the Prophet. He urged that these days be marked by supplication and earnest prayer to the Almighty asking Him to avert any malice directed toward Egypt, to protect its people and its leadership, and to sustain the blessings of security and safety across the nation.
