In the previous article, we started delineating the character of renowned constitutionalist Dr. Yehya al-Gamal. He was an icon of law and literature. We spoke of his deep love for Egypt which was reflected in his writings and interviews in which he called upon her children to unite in order to save their fatherland and achieve prosperity. In an attempt to find a remedy for conflicts, he had always posed the question, “What do we need to unite?”
Dr. Yehya al-Gamal rejected despair and a future that did not become Egypt’s stature. He writes, “Either that Egypt enjoys a great future which she deserves, or we become an uncivilized people which we never wish or deserve.”
He believed that Egyptians have always been a civilized people that can establish a powerful state which contributes to human civilization. In effect, his heart and words bore the hope of a better future. This was expressed as follows, “Despite the darkness that overwhelms Egypt, we expect a lot of good to come over.”
Likewise, Dr. al-Gamal’s definition of politics was closely related to his love for Egypt. He writes, “From my own point of view, politics is a deep responsibility for one’s country of whom few are thinking honestly. Politics is being responsible for your fellow citizens and thinking of your country.”
His writings, especially the ones that presented some of his life’s stages, reflect a deep concern for Egypt’s and his fellow citizens’ troubles. He had always dreamt of the country’s enjoying more freedom and prosperity. His keenness on Egypt’s increasing her wealth of knowledge was reflected in suggesting the establishment of a “Think Tank” that would be a consultative entity for the authorities which work for the country’s welfare. He believed that, “the true power and progress possessed by any country are measured by her knowledge reserve.” He said that Egypt had knowledgeable children. However, the question was, “How can all those people work as a harmonious team? Only then Egypt would have a beautiful mind and take strides toward applying a scientific approach to all fields.”
Dr. al-Gamal loved Egypt exceedingly, which is why he called upon her children to unite in order to confront problems. He said, “We cannot confront our reality individually, for our current circumstances make it imperative that we unite to save Egypt. Only when we unite, we can do something… I call upon all Egyptians to unite, work honestly, give the lint of their effort and pocket to their country to save her from sinking: for should this ever happen, everybody will perish.” Along with his love for Egypt, he advocated democracy.
His Belief in Democracy
Democracy was part and parcel of Dr. Yehya al-Gamal’s disposition, which is why he spoke and wrote a lot about freedom, constitution, and the Egyptians’ dignity. Throughout his life, he kept saying that the people possess the “authority and decision-making right.” In his defense of democracy, he never ceased criticizing officials’ stances, regardless of their positions, for the sake of Egypt’s welfare. He was against the modification of article # 76 of the 1971 Constitution as well the constitutional modifications that preceded the January 25, Revolution. On many occasions, and in various political eras, Dr. al-Gamal demanded reform.
Due to his belief in democracy, he used to defend the other’s right in living, expression, dialogue, and differing, while preserving his freedom and dignity. He said, “I believe that recognizing the other is but a prerequisite of the culture of dialogue. No matter who the other is, he has equal rights. I am not entitled to stop him from talking, unless I listen to him. Unfortunately, the other’s right is denied due to his difference in political or religious ideology or both. This is the worst of disasters: for people were created different in order that they might get to know one another and become friendly, not to conflict or fight. Let us learn how to differ. Let us learn the culture of fruitful dialogue.”
Deep Affection for Pope Shenouda III
Dr. Yehya al-Gamal used to express his love for Pope Shenouda III, saying, “He is the safety valve that protects us from sedition, extremism, and deviation.” Moreover, nothing could be half so expressive of the two men’s mutual love than what Dr. al-Gamal used to say to the press, “My relationship with Pope Shenouda is old and deep-rooted. Many people might not believe that though I am Muslim, I feel quite comfortable when I sit to him to vent my agony and seek his prayers. I feel that his words and prayers penetrate my heart pretty easily. Forty years ago, I wrote an article entitled ‘Uncle Michael’ who was a secretary of some villages in Menoufiya. This article attracted Pope Shenouda’s attention to my ideology. Then, we became good friends. Our friendship lasted till the end of the Pope’s life. Each and every Egyptian knows about this friendship quite well.”
Friendship between the Pope and Dr. al-Gamal became stronger when the latter accepted to preside the defense committee of the Pope as President Sadat issued a decree to depose the Pope. His Holiness objected to that decree before the court. Dr. al-Gamal spoke of this incident, saying, “His Holiness gathered the Church’s legal councilors. Mr. Helmy Raghib was one of them. He was deputy of the Lawyers Syndicate and belonged to an older generation. He told them that he chose me for the defense committee. All of them replied, “He is the best choice”, though this was a compliment.”
Yet, his Holiness told me, mouth to ear, that Dr. Yehya al-Gamal was a true defender of truth, and there is no one like him. Dr. al-Gamal continues, “His Holiness added, ‘I chose him for three reasons. First, despite the fact that he is a devout Muslim, he willingly accepted to defend me, the head of the Coptic Church. Second, he was one of Sadat’s ministers, and I am pleading against Sadat’s decree. Third, though he is still on good terms with Sadat’s family after the latter’s death, he never hesitated to defend my cause. This incident was the beginning of our true friendship. The problem passed and the Pope returned to his See. Our friendship endured.”
Thus, a deep human relationship seasoned by true affection started between the Pope and Dr. al-Gamal. So close were they that Dr. al-Gamal said, “I dare call him, ‘My dear friend, Pope Shenouda III.” During Pope Shenouda’s tenure, I would enter the patriarchate, making myself at home.” When Dr. al-Gamal was about to be operated on, Pope Shenouda was in the United States for medical investigations. No sooner had the Pope got to know Dr. al-Gamal was hospitalized, than he hurried to visit him. What a beautiful story! Stories never end in Beautiful Egypt.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
