Most of those who participated in the demonstration appeared to be followers of the strict Salafist school of Islam. They were joined by members of the relatively more moderate Muslim Brotherhood, as well as others who advocate a greater role for religion in the nation’s governance. It was the boldest and most resolute display to date from a community that Mubarak kept largely invisible and in disarray.
The demonstrators were bused in from across Egypt, reflecting a level of organization that could give Islamists a significant advantage in parliamentary elections scheduled for November.
Islamist parties, which advocate for a society rooted in Islamic law and scripture, had largely boycotted recent demonstrations. But leaders said the time had come to speak out against what they see as attempts by Egypt’s interim military rulers, and by liberal politicians, to quietly enact constitutional changes that would enshrine Egypt as a secular state.
The call to reject those moves was answered by a a sea of bearded men and women draped in black garments. Vendors sold flattering portraits of slain al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, as speakers railed against the United States and Israel.
“Secularists are all over the media, trying to marginalize us because they think we’re ignorant,” said Islam Farris, a 23-year-old pharmacist who demonstrated in Tahrir. “For the first time in history, all Islamic movements are united here because the secularists are provoking us.”
For advocates of a secular Egypt, the rally was seen as another worrisome development following months of decisions by the ruling military council that have dimmed hopes for a smooth transition to democracy.
Islamist and secular leaders had previously agreed to stand united on Friday, calling for shared goals such as the speedy prosecution of Mubarak and his aides, an end to military trials for civilians, and more accountability from the country’s interim military rulers.
But as the Islamists poured into Tahrir, liberal and secular Egyptians were shocked by the tone and intensity of the slogans.
“The people want Islamic law,” the crowds of sweat-drenched Salafists chanted under the punishing sun.
Islamists also turned out in huge numbers in Alexandria and Suez. In Suez, more than 10,000 Salafists gathered in Arbaeen Square and raised posters with the words “secular” and “liberal” crossed out.
Although the vast majority of Egyptians are Muslim, the number who support implementation of strict Islamic law has long been a mystery because hard-line religious communities were persecuted and harassed by Mubarak’s intelligence service.
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