The Faculty of Arts, at Ain Shams University, represented by the Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs Sector, organized a symposium entitled “The Philosophy of Martyrdom in the Egyptian Fighter’s Creed,” under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of the University, Prof. Hanan Kamel, Dean of the Faculty, under the supervision of Prof. Hanan Salem, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, and Prof. Hussein Ali, Professor of Philosophy and Logic at the Faculty of Arts, at Ain Shams University, gave a lecture, in the presence of Dr. Mai Hamza, Acting Head of the Media Department, and a group of faculty staff and students.

Prof. Hanan Salem indicated that Martyr’s Day represents a human value, and an epic of heroism and redemption for a great Egyptian symbol, General Abdel Moneim Riad, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Army, nicknamed the Golden Team, who was martyred on March 9, 1969.

Her Excellency also explained that martyrdom represents an essential pillar in the belief of the Egyptian soldier and fighter, and therefore we find that he does not fear death, but rather strives for it and sacrifices his soul in redemption for his homeland. Today, after reclaiming the land, we must fight ignorance, superstition, neglect, and frustration, and build ourselves from within and strive to develop our homeland because it deserves it.

Prof. Hussein Ali explained the concept of the martyr, as he is the one who dies in order to defend his land, his honor, and his homeland. He stressed that the Egyptian warrior is one of the greatest warriors in the entire world. Then His Excellency referred to the martyrdom of the martyr Abdel Moneim Riad. The enemy fire suddenly rained down on the area where he was standing among his soldiers, and the battle that the team was leading himself continued for about an hour and a half until one of the artillery bullets exploded near the hole from which he was leading the battle. As a result of the deadly shrapnel and air discharge, Lieutenant General Abdel Moneim Riad was martyred.

Then His Excellency touched on the history of ancient Egypt and the role of Egyptian rulers in leading military campaigns. For example, Ramesses II led the army in the first ranks, as well as Ahmose in leading his army against the Hyksos, and this confirms the greatness of the fighter who does not fear death.

He pointed out that the martyrdom of Lieutenant General Abdel Moneim Riad did not go unnoticed. Ibrahim Al-Rifai, who was called the Prince of Martyrs, took revenge for Lieutenant General Abdel Moneim Riad by forming a combat division called the 39th Combat Division. He said that Al-Rifai was the first to succeed in bringing an Israeli prisoner and crossing the canal without the prisoner sustaining a scratch. His Excellency concluded that martyrdom is an honor and a virtue, and God Almighty said (They are alive with their Lord and provided for).

One of the distinctive features of today’s celebration of Martyr’s Day is that the students of the Department of Mass Communication present a documentary film about the nation’s martyrs, highlighting the meaning of patriotism and redemption.

At the end of the symposium, Prof. Hanan Salem presented a certificate of thanks and appreciation to Prof. Hussein Ali, Professor of Philosophy and Logic at the Faculty of Arts, at Ain Shams University, for this valuable symposium.