By: Abu Bakr Al-Sharif Al-Tijani
The poet once said:
“When God wills to unveil a hidden virtue,
He allows a tongue of envy to spread it.
Had fire not consumed the surrounding woods,
The fragrant oud would never be known for its scent.”
When the flames of war erupted in our homeland, Sudan, we came to know and experience the fragrant scent of oud in the cherished land of Egypt. We found it in Egypt the Eternal, Mother of the World, and the Land of the Pharaohs and authenticity. This is the land of the most ancient civilization known to mankind.
The people of Egypt are the first people of the earth, created alongside the heavens, the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the stones, the seas, the rivers, the rain, the air, and water itself—a pure and unspoiled nature untouched by betrayal or deceit.
It is as if the world was born from and began in the lands of the great Nile Valley, a river seen by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his miraculous night journey and ascent to the heavens. In the sacred narrative of Al-Isra and Al-Mi’raj, the Prophet described the Nile and the Euphrates as “rivers from paradise.” This divine reference underscores not only the greatness of the Nile but also the greatness of the people who dwell along its banks.
Egypt’s Timeless Role in History
The people of Egypt and their land are the foundation of human civilization and history. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The best among you in ignorance are also the best in Islam when they gain understanding.” Egyptians have proven themselves to be the finest among people throughout history.
Their character is like pure metal—uncorrupted, unyielding to the tests of time and place. Long live Egypt, a land of authenticity and valor, proven by its historical stances and contributions. Egypt has stood tall as a pillar of strength during challenging times in the Islamic world, as recorded in Islamic history.
Egypt’s Connection to Prophetic Legacy
Egypt is the land of prophets and divine messages. It is the land where Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) found refuge and married Hagar, a noblewoman from Egypt, who bore him Ishmael (peace be upon him).
The connection between Egypt and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is profound. When the Prophet sent a letter to the ruler of Egypt, Muqawqis, inviting him to Islam, the ruler responded with respect and sent two maidens as gifts to the Prophet. One of these maidens, Lady Maria the Copt, bore the Prophet a son, Ibrahim. Upon his passing, the Prophet’s eyes filled with tears, and he said, “O Ibrahim, we are grieved by your departure.”
Thus, Egyptians share an enduring spiritual and historical bond with the Prophet and his family. When the family of the Prophet (Ahl al-Bayt) sought refuge in Egypt after facing persecution, the Egyptian people embraced them with open hearts, recognizing their noble lineage and honoring the Prophet’s instructions to hold his family in high regard.
Egypt and Sudan: A Bond of Blood and River
Egypt has never turned its back on Sudan, not through history nor in moments of hardship. If Egypt is the Mother of the World, Sudan is its beloved child, united with it through the lifeblood of the Nile. Egypt is Sudan’s northern extension, and Sudan is Egypt’s southern depth.
The relationship between these two nations is not like that of mere neighboring states but rather like that of a mother and her child. The Nile connects their souls, irrigates their lands, and intertwines their destinies. History bears witness to this unity, as Sudan thrived under Egypt’s nurturing care, growing in wisdom, culture, and resilience.
Egypt: A Beacon of Civilization and Knowledge
Egypt has always been a beacon of light for humanity—a cradle of civilization and a repository of wisdom. It is home to Al-Azhar, the great institution of Islamic learning, and the land of luminaries like Imam Shafi’i, who laid the foundation of Islamic jurisprudence. Egypt’s legacy also includes luminaries in the arts, literature, and science, such as Ahmed Shawqi, Umm Kulthum, Dr. Taha Hussein, and Dr. Mustafa Mahmoud.
A Call for Unity
The bonds between Egypt and Sudan are unbreakable, for they share the same lifeline: the Nile. Let the world understand that Egypt is Sudan, and Sudan is Egypt. Together, they represent a unified heart, pumping the lifeblood of love, unity, and shared destiny.
We look forward to a future where this unity grows stronger, enabling us to build a powerful and enlightened nation, capable of protecting its resources, sovereignty, and people.
In conclusion, we extend our gratitude to the Arab Republic of Egypt—its government and its people.
Long live Egypt—a nation of steadfastness and glory, an eternal testament to the strength and unity of the Arab and Islamic worlds.
May God guide us all. Peace be upon those who follow the path of guidance.