President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi performs Fajr (dawn) prayer at Al-Aziz Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo’s Moqattam. Photo: Egyptian Presidency
The event marked the inauguration of the mosque as a new beacon and an integrated religious institution that provides various community services to residents of the area.
According to the Egyptian presidency, President El-Sisi toured the mosque, which comprises two halls, a centre for memorizing the Holy Quran, a medical clinic, and a prayer room for women.
El-Sisi was also briefed on the construction work carried out by the Armed Forces’ Engineering Authority as part of the Ministry of Religious Endowment's comprehensive plan to replace, renovate, maintain, and furnish hundreds of mosques nationwide.
The presidency stated that the plan aligns with El-Sisi’s directives to continue developing Egypt’s mosques to fulfil their mission of instilling the lofty values of morality, virtue, and citizenship.
Following prayer, Minister of Religious Endowments Usama Al-Azhari delivered a sermon celebrating the Night of Al-Isra` and Al-Mi’raj (Night Journey and Heavenly Ascension of Prophet Muhammad), which, according to multiple authorities, occurred on the 27th of Rajab (the seventh month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar).
Muslims worldwide commemorate the Night Journey on that date.
Al-Isra` refers to the miraculous night journey of Prophet Muhammad from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca (Al-Masjid al-Haram) to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem (Al-Masjid al-Aqsa). By contrast, Al-Mi’raj signifies the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad from Jerusalem through the seven heavens and beyond. During this spiritual ascent, the five daily prayers were prescribed to the Muslim community.
During the sermon, Al-Azhari reflected on the profound wisdom and lessons of this miracle, offering his greetings to President El-Sisi, the Egyptian people, and both Arab and Islamic nations on this occasion.
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, Grand Mufti of Egypt Nazir Mohamed Ayad, Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber, Head of the Engineering Authority of the Armed Forces Major General Walid Aref, senior state officials, and leaders of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif were in attendance.
On Thursday, President El-Sisi greeted the Egyptian people and the Islamic nation on the occasion of the Night of Al-Isra` and Al-Mi’raj.
“On the auspicious occasion of the blessed Night of Al-Isra` and Al-Mi’raj, I extend my sincere greetings to the Egyptian people and the Islamic world,” El-Sisi wrote on his official Facebook page.
“May Allah Almighty bestow His grace and stability upon us and safeguard our country from all evil.” he added.
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