Egypt, Mother of Lands, by Dr. Shams Ragheb
Dr. Shams Ragheb begins her article by emphasizing the deep connection to one's homeland,
stating, "The homeland remains the homeland, no matter how great the suffering within it, and
exile remains exile, no matter how elevated the dwelling." She quotes the verse, "None
besides Allah can disclose it" (An-Najm: 58), to stress that danger may loom when people are
heedless of the situation.
Dr. Ragheb describes Egypt as the "conqueror of nations," whose blessings have reached
both Arabs and non-Arabs, a "land of noble soil, comforting to those in exile." She recounts
Egypt's virtues and its rich history in Islam, since its lands were graced by the presence of
prophets, messengers, and the noble companions.
She praises the sacrifices of Egypt's valiant soldiers, whose voices, raised in "Allahu Akbar,"
soared above the din of battle, and whose blood irrigated the land of Sinai. She affirms that
Egypt has lived on, free and proud, as has its great people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and
may Allah exalt the dignity of humanity in its defense of truth and the oppressed.
Dr. Ragheb describes the homeland as "a word of profound meaning and strong roots that
lives in our hearts," for it carries a record filled with a great history that has left a deep imprint
on hearts, generation after generation. She expresses the longing and nostalgia for the
homeland despite the sadness and tears one may experience in exile, stressing that love for
Egypt only grows stronger with each passing day.
Dr. Ragheb declares to the world that "her country, Egypt," is the land of goodness, love, and
civilizations, and that whoever intends evil for it, Allah will thwart their plans and turn their
schemes against them. She quotes the poet:
"No one has aimed at me and emerged unscathed, for the care of Allah has long been my
army. If Allah decrees my death, the East will never raise its head after me."
She adds:
"We overcome every situation where opinions falter, and a misstep in judgment leads to ruin.
So stand firm in it, and fortify its sides with the resolve of the prepared."
She emphasizes that the sons of Egypt have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice their lives for her throughout history.
Dr. Ragheb extols the love and beauty of Egypt, stating:
"I tried to grasp the secret of Egypt and its Nile, but I was bewildered and my دليل lost its way.
When I am away from it, it never leaves my heart until I return to the banks of the Nile. When I
arrive, I cannot resist its magic, and my four limbs bow in reverence. I compared Egypt to
others, and it became arrogant, and I could not find its equal. What is the secret, O Egypt?
Who but you is there for my stumbling? Is there a way to quench my thirst? You possess the
pride of the towering mountains, evident in every field with proof."
She describes Egypt's civilization as "miracles in the world, the likes of which time cannot
replicate," and that Allah has elevated its status in the Quran, the Torah, and the Gospel. She
mentions the story of Joseph in Egypt, how Egypt took care of the Prophet's family, and how
the Nile follows the guidance of its Creator.
Dr. Ragheb points to the divine revelation on Mount Sinai and the reverence for Mary and
"On Mount Sinai, our Lord revealed Himself to Moses with the first revelation. And the Virgin
came to Egypt with her son, seeking refuge and a place to stay. Enough for you, O land of
Kinana, to have Hagar. Boast, O Kinana, boast! O mother of Ishmael, your connection is a
duty, for Egypt has come with a great thing. In your soil lies the best of the Prophet's lineage,
a fragrance that emanates and a balm for the afflicted. This is the care of Allah bestowed upon
Egypt, to remain the object of preference."
The poet prays for Egypt, saying:
"May Egypt be blessed, for I do not think I can do justice to its praise, even if I exert all my
efforts. I intended to elaborate, but my excuse is that when your light began, it extinguished
my wick. For you are the light, and there is no illumination if your radiance departs from us, O
bride of the Nile. May Allah protect you, O Egypt, as He protected His revelation from any
Dr. Ragheb concludes her article by affirming that love for the homeland is not exclusive to
anyone, and that the Islamic faith urges love for and loyalty to the homeland. She cites the
example of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, who, when forced to leave Mecca,
said, "By Allah, you are the most beloved land to Allah and the most beloved land to me, and
were it not that your people expelled me from you, I would not have left."
She emphasizes that the Prophet teaches us how to love our homelands, work for their honor
and dignity, and sacrifice what is most precious for them. She concludes with a prayer:
"O Allah, make Egypt safe, secure, tranquil, and stable, and all our Arab and Muslim nations,
and may peace and security prevail throughout the world. Amen, O Lord of all worlds."
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