Islamists Show Solidarity in Massive Egypt Rally

July 29, 2011

Protesters gather with a banner with a Koranic verse in Tahrir square in Cairo, July 29, 2011

Busloads of devout Muslims from around the country swelled the crowd and chanted for the establishment of Islamic Sharia law in Egypt. Transportation for the demonstrators was arranged by several Islamist political groups that are eager to assert their influence after being largely sidelined during the revolution.

One young non-religious man, Mohammed Deraz, welcomed the newcomers, but said they are trying to “jump on the shoulders” of the secular liberals like himself who played the largest role in the revolution.

“We made this revolution and we will continue," he said. "They can come and say what you say. We want everybody to live the real democracy. But nobody will steal my revolution. I made it by myself and I will continue to the end or I will die. Give me liberty or give me die, that’s what I’m doing.”

One of the many Islamists on the square said there is no plan to takeover the revolution.

“No, no, no,” said Ismail Sayed, wearing a traditional white galabiya, or robe. He said he wants Sharia law applied in Egypt, but through a constitutional framework. And he criticized the ruling military council for trying to impose rules that could empower the army to prevent an Islamic takeover in Egypt.