Egyptian Coptic Christians have flooded the streets, clutching palm fronds, as they enthusiastically attended Palm Sunday mass at the Church and Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Cairo.
Palm Sunday, one of the seven major feasts and highly revered among Copts, is observed on the seventh Sunday of Lent. This ancient tradition has been upheld by the Coptic Church since early Christian times to commemorate the entry of Lord Christ into Jerusalem.
Amidst the jubilant Egyptian Coptic celebrations, a video featuring Saudi author and Islamic preacher Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul-Rahman al-Arifi went viral on TikTok.
In the video, al-Arifi narrated various Prophetic hadiths, emphasizing the significance of treating the Egyptian people with kindness.
Quoting Prophet Muhammad’s guidance, al-Arifi stated, “I am speaking about Egypt, as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised the entire Islamic nation regarding Egypt and its people.”
He further shared a Prophetic hadith, which stated, “When you conquer Egypt, you must treat the Coptic people well because they are our relatives.”
During his speech, al-Arifi highlighted the historical connections between the Coptic community and Islam, citing examples such as Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, and Maria, the wife of Prophet Muhammad, both of whom were Egyptian.
Concluding his address, al-Arifi reminded Muslims of Prophet Muhammad’s instruction to show kindness to the Coptic people, saying, “Oh Allah, have mercy on the Coptic Christians of Egypt, as when you conquer them, they will become your allies against your enemies.”
Major Feasts
Palm Sunday, a significant observance for Christians, marks the start of Holy Week and is celebrated on the final Sunday of Lent. It commemorates Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, an event recounted in each of the four canonical Gospels. The name “Palm Sunday” derives from the palm branches waved by the crowd to welcome and honor Jesus Christ as He entered the city.
