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Thursday, January 14, 1999
The Grand Imem of Al Azhar, Reverend Ulemas, Ladis and Gentlmen, On such a blessed night, the night on which the holy Quran was revealed on Prophet Muhammad, as "a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong)", millions of Muslims all over the world pray to Allah to whom be ascribed all perfection and majesty with their hearts fraught with certainty and faith and their souls purified by fasting and late night prayers. They thus look forward with optimism that God might accept their prayers in such an auspicious night which is, to God, better than a thousand months and is "Peace until the rising of the dawn". In our celebration of this great night, we are used to have a pause of self-criticism, reviewing what we have achieved over the past year. We make new pledges to continue work and face challenges, fulfilling the right of the great Islamic message which we are honored with by Allah. As a result, Allah has made us witnesses to all people based on the values of good, justice, right and peace. These are the values, which heavenly religions have advocated and preached. Dear Ulemas, Ladis and Gentlmen, This year, our pause of self-criticism coincides with momentus international events that gravely affected our path in Egypt, it coincides with sizable achievements already accomplished. Now, our Islamic nation, together with all the peoples of the world, are approaching the threshold of a new century and only Allah knows whether security, stability and welfare or omens of worries, injustice and conflicts are kept in store for those peoples. Here in Egypt, on the local plane, the past year witnessed perseverent and accelerated efforts theoretically conceived by Egyptians scientists, technical staff and experts who played pioneering role, and executed by the of Egyptians who are used to give out generously and overcome obstacles. These efforts were chanelled in two main and integrated paths, first of which is: Completion of community infrastructure development, being the foundation stone and the springboard for any agricultural, industrial or service revival. The second is to spread urbanization and reconstruction away from the narrow valley to vast areas that have remained for long a waiting to generate welfare and wealth to the people. Many researchers and analysts have had some moments when they doubted the possibility of realizing such gigantic projects in the near future in view of the huge magnitude of efforts and high cost to be incurred. Yet, the spirit of challenge and persistence could finally prevail , pushing these projects forward farther than ever sought and expected. Hence, signs of growth and blossoms of prosperity started to appear in the valley, heralding a new era in Egypt where urbanization and civilization extend to remote areas that could never be conceivably accessed. On the domestic level as well, most of the economic reform programmers have been completed. Economic projects have been liberalized most of restrictions that had impounded them at earlier stages of our history. The private sector has started to participate effectively through distinct efforts in creating an industrial and agricultural revival, as well as in the field of services. Concurrently, there has been issued a number of major legislations which provide for these projects a clear-cut legal framework to ensure that the goals of economic activity are achieved in an atmosphere of free and open competition. Needless to say that the accomplishment of these mega projects will accelerate raising the standard of living of low-income brackets. It is these sectors of the population that command the greatest part of our attention at this stage. For a long time they have been deprived of an equal opportunity of living at a descent human standard that rises above basic needs and necessities. Probably what we are most proud of is that such great projects and the tremendous efforts exerted at legislative and executive levels have been achieved without prejudice to the personal rights and public freedoms of citizens. This reflects a belief that A honourable free citizen, who freely participates in national work, out of his sincere sense of belonging to his community can only be able to build and ready to give. Reverend Ulemas, Ladis and Gentlmen, In this critical stage of its history, the world is undergoing major radical developments which would leave inescapable and inevitable impact throughout the upcoming century. There is no way before the Islamic peoples but to contribute effectively to formulating values and rules governing the international community movement in this critical period. In addition, they should establish new traditions based on justice and equal opportunities and work for narrowing the gap between the developing countries which are striving hard to catch up with progress and advanced technology on one hand, and the developed countries which achieved tremendous industrial and technological progress capitalizing on the circumstances which have predominated the international community for long centuries. These circumstances had generated a huge industrial revolution in the European continent that has pushed European countries to predominantly leading positions over all other countries of the world. We have no other alternative but to seek by all ways and means to make up for all we had missed in those long ages. We should also acquire all elements of power to enable us to perform our role and defend rights and interests amidst the vertigo of changes pervading the world in the period of transition from an old order to new orders and conditions, where balances are changing, and new criteria are introduced, values and bases governing the transformation and setting the pace of dealings among countries are evolving. Of all nations, muslims are the best qualified to give high attention to science and learning, by acquiring and disseminating it. Islam urges us to acquire science and elevate it, together with "Work" to the level of worship. Allah exalted be His name, said in the holy Quran: "The erudite among His bondmen for Allah alone". Prophet Muhammad, "The trustworthy" enjoins us to pursue science in every single spot all over the world. The concept of science extends to all what is beneficial to man in this life and the after life, all that can ameliorate the conditions and enhance creativity of muslims. It, further, covers all that can improve the quality of life on this planet. This is the real test of people's calibre, values and beliefs. In their own societies, as well as in their dealings with others, muslims are called upon to deeply entrench the concepts of tolerance and fraternity, and keep away from fanaticism and extremism because Islam is based on admitting the unity of the Islamic community and on accepting plurality, reasoning and promoting good deeds. Here, the Holy Quran says, "We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. Lo! the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is knowner, Aware". Islam gives no preference to an Arab over a non Arab except on basis of piety, nor does it discriminate between people on account of race, religion, culture and colour. In Islam, there is no hatred aversion, malice, rancor nor grudge, but there is love for the sake of Allah, pursuit of devoutness and piety and following His path. If we are requested to preserve these sublime values and righteous principles in our behaviour towards others, we are obliged in the first place to abide by them within the sphere of Islamic nation. Hence, we are setting a good example for others, making our deeds and words a true translation of our beliefs and principles. We, hereby, establish within the Islamic community sublime traditions; transcending above narrow differences and visions, extravagance, triviality and deviation, avoiding injustice and false accusations. These traditions should provide for respecting rights and preserving duties, elevating all what safeguards the nation's entity and its peoples' dignity. They stand against the propagation of lies and falsification of facts. Such behaviour would not lead to any benefit or prevent any harm, but it would rather obstruct the nation's progress, tarnish its image and history. Actually Egypt, which Allah favourably and honourably mentioned in His Holy Book, stands at the forefront of countries committed to these noble principles and sublime values. It is the country of the most-honoured Azhar, the minaret of Islamic sciences, the stronghold of moderation, the den of honest believers who hold tenaciously to the covenant of Allah and homeland and keep their promise and oath. Never do they deny any right, abandon any duty nor hesitate to help brothers and friends. Forever they will continue to keep the promise until Doomsday. This has been our unwavering Pledge, and so will it be forever. This has been our topmost commitment which can never be abandoned or neglected. It will continue to be the basis of our dealing with those far-off or close, opponents or allies, and major or minor, as we are free of bias or predilection, but are committed to rightness and principles and highly value heavenly legislations and teachings. We do follow the path of Allah in public and secrecy. Our posted statements do not contradict with our innermost intent, nor do our words with our deeds. Contemplating the conditions of our Islamic nation today, we feel satisfied at the level of vigilance to challenges faced and recognition of the requirements that should be available for its struggle in this new era. However, we also feel sorry for manifestations of disunion and deepening differences and conflicts between some of its countries, as well as, ordeals, plights, pains and sufferings peoples face. At the same time, other peoples are vieing to reach new prospects of progress and prosperty. It is with great sorrow and grief that we view the difficult and deteriorating conditions the brotherly Iraqi people have been undergoing over the past years. It should have been a better destiny for such people to gear its resources and potentials to overcome the sorrows and accumulations of the past; prepare to face the present challenges, secure the future, resume role in consolidating Arab solidarity and reinforcing security and stability in an area of great importance on the Arab world, as well as the regional and international levels. We fully support the Iraqi people right to improve living standards, alleviate suffering and maintain national and territorial integrity. On the other hand, we categorically reject any violation of its sovereignty or interference in its internal affairs because these are the guidelines that agree with our principles and policies. These also are the constants that we tenaciously adhere to, despite attempts by rumour-mongers to propagate lies that can never fool anyone. Both right and wrong are quite clear-cut and never will right be lost between Allah and people, even though this be against the wish of some ill-advised minds. We support the brotherly Palestinian people's right to achieve just and equitable peace based on the respect for rights and abidance by commitments, and the safeguarding of the sanctity of sacred places, without prejudice to signed agreements. These are the fundamentals of international relations and this is the basic prerequisite for sustaining peace process, protecting peoples against dangers threatening their security, peace and stability and aborting their dreams of a happier future. We will remain faithful to these principles, preserving the teachings derived from Allah's divine laws and the main values of His True Religion. Like any national community, the international community will never be to maintain proper and stable conditions, unless it will strictly adhere to principles, safeguard rights, firmly face challenges, reject breach of obligations and disavowal of commitments, acknowledge equality between all under the supremacy of law because life will be extremely difficult in the absence of submission to these definitive imperative rules. Above all, we should recognize that there is no hope for our nation to catch up with others or protect its major interests vis-a-vis them, unless the starting point is the "reform at home", changing the image of life inside the Muslim countries and societies in order to free ourselves from insular, dogmatic thinking and norms of behaviour and traditions, most of which have lost their rasion d'etre and viability. On the other hand, we should revive beneficial science, productive work and creativity. This would open for the nation the road to the future. The youth generation are called upon to rectify their conception of Islam and acquaint themselves, anew, with its sublime goods and vision of the universe and people. The youth should recognize that Islam is not mere dogmatic texts repeated by those who know and those who know not. It is rather a humane call to populate and reconstruct the universe, elevate souls, stimulate minds, guide people's path and foster peace and reconciliation between individuals and peoples. No one but you, reverend Ulemas of Islam can undertake this trust of providing youth with the right concept of Islam and its eternal message. It is you, reverend Ulemas whom Allah has placed you so high, making you, with your beneficial, right knowledge, heirs to His Apostles. On Doomsday, you will be accountable for the same subjects as the Apostles. This trust is shared with yourselves by every knowledgeable person in the nation, as enjoined by Almighty Allah, addressing Prophet Muhammad (peace and prayers be upon him): "The (Quran) is indeed the Message for thee and for they people and soon shall ye (all) be brought to account". I pray and petition to Almighty Allah, as we are celebrating this blessed night, beseeching bounty and prosperity, to help our struggling, valiant Egyptian people and our Arab and Islamic nation, as they are waging, patiently and courageously, battles against backwardness, disunion, fragmentation and aggression on its legitimate rights and vital interests. We also beseech Almighty Allah to make our deeds exclusively devoted to Him, beneficial to His bondsmen.. He is the Most Gracious and the Best Helper to righteous believers. Many happy returns of this occasion for you and our nation as a whole. May Allah's Peace and Mercy be upon you. |
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