"Oh Egypt, How Do You Do It?!"

It’s a line from a song, but it’s a brilliant one that has evolved into a slogan and symbol, becoming a marker and expression of the positive events and attitudes that proclaim Egypt’s greatness and that of its people. This is where its genius lies: it also points to negative and bizarre situations that you can only witness in Egypt. This reflects Egypt’s genius in its spontaneity and sincere emotions, which are often strange and shocking. Suddenly, social media transformed into a revolution announcing events that showcase Egypt’s greatness, fostering agreement on chivalry and authenticity, while also highlighting differences that are unparalleled and unjustified. The spirit of generosity, boldness, and mutual aid during hardship carries this brilliant slogan. The slogan has become highly captivating and is always trending; once you see it, you feel a strange curiosity to learn more about its subject. Indeed, all the topics and events are bizarre, whether in their positivity or their strangeness.

To be fair, the positive examples were very numerous, serving as an important call to highlight them in society. Even many heroes who performed great deeds without expecting any reward found that this online recognition was a greater and more honorable tribute to them. Of course, there were many whom the state honored, granting them awards or job opportunities for their sacrifices. However, many, many others were honored by the praise and admiration of the people. Some risked their lives, and some even lost them, to save others. No words or monetary rewards can fully compensate them; rather, God’s pleasure and the good memories they left in the hearts of the people and their families are sufficient to honor them.

For example, without being exhaustive, we saw two young men rescue a girl from drowning in the sea at Moisey in Zagazig. We followed videos of several Egyptians rescuing passengers from overturned cars without fear or hesitation. We also watched a truck driver skillfully prevent a transport vehicle from overturning after one of its tires burst. We saw someone rescue a child from falling off a balcony, and a video of a young man saving a family from an apartment fire. There were countless such instances, representing a positive breakthrough on social media.

The phenomenon also extends to strange and amusing situations or clever actions, including funny and sometimes brilliant inventions created by people, even children. We saw a clip of a child placing a plastic chair on a scooter, someone putting a plastic chair on a donkey-drawn cart, another attaching a fan to a motorcycle to cope with the heat, and someone installing a water sprinkler on a streetlight pole to entertain children and reduce temperatures. We also saw someone build a house around a palm tree to avoid cutting it down. There are many amusing situations that also reflect the Egyptian people’s light-heartedness, intelligence, and attempts to overcome difficulties and challenges.

Most importantly, there are numerous acts of kindness and constant efforts to comfort the distressed. We saw people distributing school bags and supplies, others handing out money or food to the poor and needy, and some trying to help itinerant vendors who honorably seek their livelihood. The truth is that positive examples are very numerous, and we certainly do not wish to highlight negative cases. Indeed, they are few, but they are shared to express astonishment and mockery.

Our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Goodness is in my nation until the Day of Judgment.” Therefore, let “Oh Egypt, what are you doing?” serve as a slogan that calls for doing good and affirms that righteous, just, and good deeds are never in vain.