02/11/11: The Pharaoh Is Finished!

Imam Elahi’s updated article published in Arab American News…

The Pharaoh Is Finished!
The Moment of Truth for All Arab Nations is approaching!

The massive social and political volcano that erupted in Tunisia with the death of Mohamed Bouazizi was burning the foundation of the Pharaohic oppressive establishment in Egypt for the last three weeks. The main demands of the demonstrators were: “Step down Mubarak, the people want the overthrow of the regime”.

Despite of all the regime’s deceptive psychological maneuvers, the people didn’t leave the Tahrir square even after the dictator left his palace. Nothing less than the departure of Mubarak would satisfy millions of patriotic Egyptians who chose to suffer and sacrifice for the sake of freedom and justice! The moment that the fall of the Pharaoh was announced, not only Cairo but all Arab world streets turned to the biggest scenes of celebration. February 11th became one of the biggest celebrations by people in history of this great nation.  It is the day of freedom, day of justice, a day that can’t be ever forgotten.

Searching for an identity that has been abused over the years was the biggest cause propelling the uprising.  By targeting 30 years of dishonesty, deception and dictatorship, the people wanted their dignity back!

Apparently  Omar Suleiman, like his master,was out of touch with reality. He foolishly insulted all of those women, men, intellectuals, scholars, workers, who started this revolution by describing them as kids, influenced by foreigners whose culture is not ready for democracy yet! To make matters worse, he warned of chaos and coup, giving Egyptians two options: submission or sword!

Suleiman promised to accomplish in few months, what the Egyptian government failed to do in three decades! The Holy Quran speaks to that in Chapter 2 verse 12: “Surely they are the ones who make mischief but they realize it not.”

It’s all about greed, arrogance, money and might!

The Guardian Newspapers estimated the wealth of the Mubarak family to be about $70 billion. If that is true, he better stay in Egypt to answer to the nation, where most people live off $2 a day!

Mubarak’s downfall will cause a massive political and social earthquake that will turn every Arab capital to Liberation Square. The call for change, which was crushed by state police and intelligent agents, is flooding Facebook, Twitter and other means of communications. The moment of truth for the whole Arab world is approaching.

In 2006 when Beirut was burning under Israeli bombardments Condoleezza Rice described the plight of Lebanon as a part of the “birth pangs of a new Middle East” The delivery is taking place but not with the same DNA in Condoleezza’s mind.

Supporters of Mubarak, such as Israel, were trying to scare the world that Egypt might become another Iran. Well the anti-Western sentiment swept Iran after the West supported the dictatorial regime of the Shah against the people; to do the same in Egypt, would yield the same result!

There are similarities and differences between these two revolutions. The 1979 revolution in Iran was blessed with unity in leadership, and clarity of its goal. There was a powerful, charismatic, inspiring, and exceptional leader, who faithfully and fearlessly called for the establishment of an Islamic government, and the whole nation obeyed him unconditionally.

The Egyptian revolution is different both in leadership and goals; yet the people seemed to be inspired spiritually with the events in Iran, Lebanon and Tunisia. One similarity among all these populace movements was powerful participation of the young generation. The youth determined to end oppression and injustice in their country and enjoy an honorable life. Another amazing coincidence between the Egyptian and Iranian revolution was that both achieved their victory on the same day of February 11th, though 32 years far from one another!

No doubt the Egyptian uprising was an opportunity and also a challenge for all.  It was up to Al-azhar, a thousand year old Islamic university and its great muftis and scholars to speak out, show leadership, courage and commitment to justice and fairness, emulating the Prophet Mohammad when he faced tyrants and evil authorities. Unfortunately some Muftis acted  as poppet

preachers, who stood against the oppressed and the victims of torture, pain, poverty, humiliation and death.

It seems that some of those religious leaders live on another planet. They don’t mind if the West interfere in their country’s affairs, but they condemn the sympathy of Iranians and Lebanese religious leaders toward the impoverished Egyptians.

While the youth of Cairo camped in Tahrir Square for the last three weeks in plastic tents, suffering from the chilly weather” the highest Saudi Mufti called the Egyptian revolution a fitna (mischief) that made division between the people and governments. Unfortunately some of Al-azhar scholars echoed the same irresponsible words. The youth of Egypt would never forget the dignity, wisdom, and leadership of many Shia and Sunni scholars who expressed their support and solidarity to their struggle. They will remember the one who called them from the south of Beirut and said “”Your action is not any less important than the Resistance’s victory in July 2006 war; we wish we could be with you in the Tahrir Square and all of Egypt.

For sure, the 82-year-old Mubarak will be swept into the dustbin of history, and the youth will be the decision makers of their country. Egyptian should have free and fair elections and we should all accept the results regardless.

Mubarak promised to die on the land of Egypt, if that happened, we would remember this Quranic statement!

“Today, we will preserve your body, to set you up as a lesson for future generations.” Unfortunately, many people are totally oblivious to our signs. Quran 10:92

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