جريدة الأهرام الإخبارية تهنئ الحاج حلمي سلامة بتخرج نجله الملازم أول طبيب محمد حلمي سلامة من أكاديمية الشرطة

Egypt: The Land of Eternal Security and a Message of Peace to the World: How Sharm El-Sheikh Became a Platform for Dialogue, Not Conflict

By: Prof. Dr. Shams Ragheb Othman

The world's gaze turns tomorrow towards Egypt, as the global scene becomes centered in Sharm El-Sheikh. These crucial moments reflect the unique position Egypt has achieved politically, diplomatically, and media-wise on both the domestic and international stages, affirming its role as a pivot for peace and stability.

Egypt: The Pillar of Regional Security and Initiatives for Lasting Peace

Egypt is truly the land of security and safety. It has remained steadfast in its fundamental stance, calling for a just and permanent peace in the Arab region for over fifty years. It consistently takes genuine, serious initiatives aimed at establishing stability in the Middle East.

This continuous presence reflects the international community's confidence in Egypt's pivotal role in supporting regional security and peace. Sharm El-Sheikh has become accustomed to being a platform for major global dialogues and forums, from climate conferences to significant economic and political meetings. This reaffirms that Egypt is the land of peace, and its message to the world is "Dialogue," not conflict or strife.

The Secret of Eternal Security: Egypt in the Locus of Quranic Description

Egypt is the embodiment of security and safety, a land guarded by God's care and assurance. The evidence of this is reflected in a unique fact: only three "places" are explicitly described in the Holy Quran as possessing absolute security and safety:

1. Egypt: As expressed by Joseph (peace be upon him): "

   " (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 99).

2. Paradise (Jannah): As stated by Allah Almighty: "

   $$\text{Indeed, the righteous will be in gardens and springs. Enter it in peace, safe and secure.}$$

   " (Surah Al-Hijr, Ayahs 45, 46).

3. The Holy Sanctuary of Mecca (Al-Haram Al-Makki): Allah Almighty said: "

   $$\text{Have We not established for them a safe sanctuary, to which are brought the fruits of all things...}$$

   " (Surah Al-Qasas, from Ayah 57).

Love of the Homeland: A Pledge by Actions, Not Slogans

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us the love of our homeland and set the finest example. When he emigrated from Mecca to Medina, he turned towards Mecca and said: "By Allah, you are the most beloved land of Allah to Allah, and the most beloved land of Allah to me. Had your people not driven me out, I would not have left you." (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Love for the homeland requires no bargaining, no bids, no resonant slogans, but rather our actions which point to it, flowing in our voices and uttered by our tongues, to which our ambitions are linked.

For the sake of the land and homelands, blood has been shed, and nations have been displaced. For their sake, the beat of hearts continues in love and loyalty. For the soil of Egypt, its skies, its seas, and its Nile, and for every breath of air within it, we are required, wherever we are, to take an oath and swear by Almighty God that we will be loyal to God and our noble Prophet, and then to our homeland, defending it, preserving it, and working for its progress and elevation.

The Blood of Martyrs Defines the Homeland's Borders

The blood of the martyrs is what defines and protects the borders of the homeland. Allah Almighty describes them in His Holy Book: "

$$\text{And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.}$$

" (Surah Aal ‘Imran, Ayah 169).

The homeland is the second womb that holds us after the mother's womb; it is the support for those who have no backing. It is the most beautiful poem in the universe's collection. As the Prince of Poets, Ahmed Shawqi, said in his love for Egypt:

$$\begin{array}{rcl}\text{وسلا مصر هل سلا القلب عنها}& & \text{أو أسا جرحه الزمان المؤسي}\\ \text{وطني لو شغلت بالخلد عنه}& & \text{نازعتني إليه في الخلد نفسي}\end{array}$$

(Translation of the meaning: Ask Egypt if the heart forgot it / Or if the comforting time healed its wound. My homeland, if I were preoccupied from you by eternity / My soul would long for you even in eternity.)

A Prayer and a Covenant

O God, I ask You by Your Greatest Name—by which if You are called upon, You answer, and if You are sought for mercy, You bestow it, and if You are sought for refuge, You grant it—to protect Egypt and all the Arab, Islamic, and all humanitarian lands. O God, grant success to us and to our leaders, and the leaders of the entire world, for what is best for our homelands. Surely, He is capable of all things.

$$رَبَّنَالَاتُؤَاخِذْنَاإِننَّسِينَاأَوْأَخْطَأْنَاۚرَبَّنَاوَلَاتَحْمِلْعَلَيْنَاإِصْرًاكَمَاحَمَلْتَهُعَلَىالَّذِينَمِنقَبْلِنَاۚرَبَّنَاوَلَاتُحَمِّلْنَامَالَاطَاقَةَلَنَابِهِۖوَاعْفُعَنَّاوَاغْفِرْلَنَاوَارْحَمْنَاۚأَنتَمَوْلَانَافَانصُرْنَاعَلَىالْقَوْمِالْكَافِرِينَ$$

(Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 286)

And peace and blessings be upon our Master Muhammad and upon his family and companions altogether. Our final call is that all praise is due to God, the Lord of the Worlds.

Author: Prof. Dr. Shams Ragheb Othman Professor at the College of Scientific Inimitability in the Holy Quran and Sunnah Islamic University - USA