PM Modi’s Gesture of Respect
During his upcoming visit to Egypt, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the historic Al-Hakim mosque in Old Cairo. This follows his visits to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi in 2015 and the Istiqlal Mosque in Indonesia in 2018, showcasing his respect for Islamic nations and their religious beliefs.
Significance of Mosque Visits
Government officials have highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Modi’s visits to mosques, emphasizing his awareness of the religious sentiments of the countries he visits. These visits symbolize his commitment to fostering cultural and religious harmony between India and Islamic nations.
Al-Hakim Mosque: A 1,000-Year-Old Structure
The Al-Hakim mosque, a nearly 1,000-year-old mosque, underwent extensive restoration over six years with the support of the Dawoodi Bohra community. The mosque was recently reopened to the public, showcasing the preservation of its historical and architectural significance.
Continuing the Tradition
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Al-Hakim Mosque follows his previous visits to prominent mosques in the region. In 2015, he visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the United Arab Emirates, and in 2018, he visited the Istiqlal Mosque in Indonesia during the holy month of Ramadan. These visits highlight his commitment to building strong ties with Islamic nations.
The Role of the Dawoodi Bohra Community
The Dawoodi Bohra community, known for its strong connections with India, contributed to the restoration of the Al-Hakim mosque. Their support underscores the bond between India and Egypt and reflects the community’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage.
Accompanied by the Egyptian President
It is expected that Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by the Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, during his visit to the Al-Hakim mosque, further enhancing the bilateral relations between India and Egypt.
Additional Engagements in Egypt
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will also pay tribute to Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War at the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery in Cairo. Furthermore, he is set to hold discussions with President El-Sisi and engage with prominent dignitaries from the Egyptian government, as well as the Indian community in Egypt.
The Two-Nation Tour
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Egypt is part of his two-nation tour, which also includes the United States. The visit to Egypt follows President El-Sisi’s participation as the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations.
Strengthening Ties and Fostering Mutual Understanding
The Prime Minister’s visit to the Al-Hakim mosque and other engagements in Egypt aim to deepen bilateral ties, foster mutual understanding, and reinforce India’s commitment to cultural exchange and cooperation with Islamic nations.
