Days pass, and the memory of the glorious October victory remains engraved in the minds of the entire Arab and Muslim nation. It is a memory that has immortalized the notions of pride and dignity, that still shining with noble feelings that defy time. In the spirit of October 6, let’s face the challenges ahead and seek to achieve victories in the battles of development, education, administration, advancement, and progress. We need to invoke the spirit of the glorious October War memory and to revive the glories of the nation. We need to awaken the nation’s determination and sharpen the will of the people so that they may maintain their unity. Our glorious victory was fulfilled when the Egyptians came together and raised the slogan “ˀAllahu ˀAkbar” (Allah is the Greatest). They then destroyed the fortresses of the enemy and scared them out of their wits. When faith guided us, Allah Almighty aided us as we were sustaining the religion. In turn, Almighty Allah granted us victory. As Egypt is now recovering, we are in dire need to cruise our country to safety and regain the Blessings of Allah who selected us to restore the old glories and dignity of the nation. This is not unfeasible for the best nation ever. On this anniversary, I would like to send special messages to all the Egyptians.
The forces of darkness are lurking to impede progress in Egypt. So, we have to outwit them through our relentless mettle and determination. We bet the Egyptians can overcome this threat, and history testifies to this judgment.
The second message is that labor is the only way to build a powerful and well-founded country, especially that Egypt is qualified to grow into a mega economy, given its water and agricultural resources, and the abundance of its manpower and experts. If this manpower is given the opportunity, it would build a massive economic force.
The third message is to the youth, who should follow the example of the noble Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions and their successors since they transformed the nation in a short span into a powerful economic force despite their lack of the resources which we have today. The youth should also follow the example of the October generation who enjoyed strong will and determination and thus attained a sweeping victory.
My fourth message is to Sinai, that dear area of Egypt, representing its eastern gate and safety valve. The noblest battles of honor and dignity took place on its soil, the last of which was October War 1973 (Ramadan 10). The people of Sinai are integral to the Egyptian fabric and are marked with sincerity and dedication. They were at the forefront in our October charge. They are also the watchful eyes of the Egyptian army in its war against the enemy. The glorious October war makes it clear to us - and to the whole world - that Egypt is a solid rock on which all the dreams of tyrants and colonialists are shattered, and whoever seeks to disturb the security and stability of our dear homeland will face the same destiny. Defending our land is a national duty entrenched in the minds of our armed forces and of every citizen living in this precious land.
The great Egyptian army has always been the protective shield and the sure guard of Egypt in times of peace and war. It set the most wonderful examples of sacrifice and redemption in the Tenth of Ramadan Battle. It is now waging another, no less fierce, war against the forces of extremism and terrorism.
On this occasion, Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif calls on the Egyptian masses, of all categories and sects, to stand by our armed forces in their war against terrorism for the sake of stability and security in Egypt. It invites them to seek inspiration from Tenth of Ramadan Battle to work with sincerity and dedication for the elevation and progress of this country. We ask Allah Almighty for happy many returns of this occasion to our dear Egypt, for its progress, prosperity, security, and stability, and for the protection of Egypt from all harms.
History is the best witness that the Grand Imams and scholars of Al-Azhar were not isolated from this war. They were at the forefront. History records the struggle of Al-Azhar scholars against colonialists and tyrants throughout the ages. On this blessed anniversary, we should pray to Allah to have mercy on our righteous martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of truth and of our homeland. We should also extend to Egypt, its president, government, and people, our sincere congratulations, and supplicate to Allah Almighty to unite us and guide us to open the door to hope so that our citizens may achieve their aspirations for a promising future, Allah willing. In this future, we hope everyone will enjoy prosperity and wellbeing.