Saga: Part I
Saudi Arabia has always been in the heart of every Egyptian, and vice versa. Egyptian-Saudi relations have a deep-rooted and solid foundation. Both Egyptians and Saudis were related long ago, with an everlasting relationship.
Do you know that this eternal bond was started by an Egyptian holy woman?
In this saga, we will navigate through time and distances to shed light on great female idols who paved the way to deeper connections. Let us sail through history to explore the two countries’ most significant and interesting mutual heritage.
The historical linkage between the two countries was established through land and sea routes. Historical ties were tightened through the ages due to common language and religion. Looking through the two countries’ history and social and cultural relations, we can notice the associated ties and their magnificent strength. Historical documentation and the similarities between the styles of antiquities, influential figures, and events are great evidence of the solid bond built through the decades.
It was mentioned in many published articles that there were strong cultural relations between Egyptians and Arabia in different eras, such as the late Bronze and early Iron Ages. The Arabian Peninsula in general, and specifically Hejaz, is located on the outer eastern borders of the Egyptian Empire. The remains and the common artistic style found in different locations and occasions detected the Egyptian culture’s influence. Many artifacts and statues were found from the Arabian culture in the Nile Valley, and Egyptian statues were found in the Arabian Peninsula, which ensures the cultural ties and the influence of both cultures on each other. If we mediate about the mobility of objects in this vast area, we will realize that the relationship between the two countries was not only trade relations but also cultural relations between the two civilizations.
The trade relations between the two civilizations were recognized by many sculptures and historical engravings found in different locations. Egyptians admired products such as myrrh and frankincense, which were the most famous exports from the Arabian Peninsula. The ancient Egyptians used these products in making creams, perfumes, medications, and oils for mummifying. These products were used domestically to expel bad smells and insects. Additionally, they were used in ceremonial purification. Furthermore, they became part of religious ceremonies during old dynasties. Therefore, Egyptians were keen to strengthen their connections with Arab traders. Additionally, ancient Egyptians and Arabs were eager to exploit the precious copper mineral sites at “Serabit el-Khadim” southwest of the Sinai Peninsula.
The ancient Egyptian documents dating back to Ptolemaic and Roman times state that there were not only commercial relations between Arabs and Egyptians but also social relations. The historical documents included evidence about the settlement of some tribes from the Arabian Peninsula in Egypt. The immigrant communities blended into Egyptian society over time and were influenced by its civilization; hence, their names were Egyptianized.
Where do you think Arabian communities were localized in Egypt? Arabian communities were localized in the Faiyum region. During the Ptolemaic and Roman eras, they built the largest foreign community in Hellenistic Egypt after the Greeks and Persians. “Minaean Zayd’il” was one of the famous Arabian traders who was mentioned in many published articles. He supplied Egyptian temples with aromatic products, lived in Memphis, and was buried at Saqqara. His sarcophagus engravings showed that he adapted to the Egyptian culture and that he probably spoke Egyptian.
In 610, Prophet “Muhammad” (Peace Be Upon Him) spread Islam in the Arabian Peninsula. Later, Islam expanded from the Arabian Peninsula to Egypt and the whole African continent in 640. “Amr Ibn Al-Aas” was one of the most influential Arab and Islamic leaders in Egyptian history. He succeeded in establishing a new capital near the old city called “Fustat” and he founded the first mosque in Egypt and Africa, the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque. Afterwards, the Arabic language and the Islamic religion were spread gently and gradually. The Arabic language became the official language in 706 instead of the Greek language. Nevertheless, the Coptic language was used as the spoken language in “Fustat”.
Since then, the “haramayn” Mecca and Medina have captured the Egyptians’ hearts, as both are important places in the Islamic religion as the birthplace and residence of the Prophet “Muhammad” (PBUH). Additionally, Mecca is the place of the sacred “al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa”, where Muslims perform Hajj ceremonies.
Arab women in general and Egyptian and Saudi women specifically have drawn beautiful and glorious portrayals of courage, sacrifice, heroics, giving, and spreading knowledge through the ages. Through the upcoming lines, we will navigate through history to highlight great women’s stories that played a great role in connecting the two countries and contributed to all fields of life.
It is a great honor to start this series with the heroic, timeless leader Al-Sayyida Zaynab bint Ali (RA). She is the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), who was born to his most beloved daughter Fatima Al Zahra’ (RA), and his cousin Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA). She has a special sentimental value in the Egyptians’ hearts as one of the Ahl Al-Bayt members. She was born in Madina in the sixth year of Hijra. She was known as a brilliant and knowledgeable lady and was denoted as the wise mind of Bani Hashim (Aqilat Bani Hashim). She was well-known for gathering Islamic jurisprudence. She got married and had six children, four boys and two girls. Her life was humble and simple until she witnessed the toughest period of “fitna” in Islamic history.
During this harsh period, Al-Sayyida Zaynab showed great courage in helping and soothing the wounded and protecting women, and she successfully protected her nephew Ali Zein Al-Abdein, Ibn Al-Hussien, who was a child during this time. Afterward, Al- Sayyida Zaynab decided to move to Egypt in the year 61 of Hijra. Egyptians were extremely delighted and honored by her residency, and almost all Cairo inhabitants went to greet her when she arrived. Egyptians were consulting Al- Sayyida Zaynab for her acquaintance. It was mentioned that Al- Sayyida Zaynab has loved and blessed Egypt and even prayed for it, saying, “O people of Egypt, you stood by us; may God stand by you; you were our refuge; may God be yours; you helped us; may God always help you out of all difficulties.”
Is there actually a mutual heritage between the two countries? And what were the different roles that Egyptian and Saudi women played in sustaining this heritage? We shall find out through our next cultural and philosophical time travel article: “The Role of Women in Shaping Egyptian-Saudi Historical Everlasting Relations Saga: Part II”
Written By: Dr. El-Shaimaa T. Abumandour
