The National Alliance to Support Legitimacy (NASL), an Islamist coalition supporting Morsi, has called for mass demonstrations under the slogan “pray for Egypt” on Monday.
Monday is the day of Arafat on the eve of Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Festival of the Sacrifice, which is one of the most important religious occasions in the Muslim calendar.
“The alliance calls on all the loyal and honorable sons of Egypt to participate in the ‘Pray For Egypt’ million-man march from noon until sunset on Arafat day,” read a statement published by the group. They did not specify however where the protests will take place.
The statement went on to call on loyalists to take part in Eid Al-Adha prayers across the country on Tuesday, when millions of Egyptians are expected to gather for early morning prayers.
Eid Al-Adha is especially significant because it marks the annual Hajj (Islamic pilgrimage) to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Around two million pilgrims have already arrived at the site for this year’s Hajj.
Fears of violence during the festival are on the rise, as Egypt continues to witness deadly clashes between supporters and opponents of deposed president Mohamed Morsi.
On Sunday 6 October, the 40th anniversary of the Arab-Israeli war, 57 protesters were killed during clashes between Morsi supporters, opponents and security forces.
Source : Ahram
