When Napoleon went to Egypt, did he say "We are real Muslims"?

 When Napoleon Bonaparte embarked on his campaign in Egypt during the late 18th century, he made several statements related to Islam. However, the context and motivations behind these statements are more complex than a simple declaration of faith. Let’s explore further:

1. Proclamation to the Egyptians:

   • Upon arriving in northern Egypt in 1798, Napoleon issued a proclamation to the Muslim inhabitants of Alexandria.
   • In this proclamation, he stated: “People of Egypt: You will be told by our enemies that I am come to destroy your religion. Believe them not. Tell them that I am come to restore your rights, punish your usurpers, and raise the true worship of Mahomet. Tell them that I venerate, more than do the Mamelukes, God, His prophet, and the Koran” ¹.
   • Napoleon’s words aimed to establish a favorable relationship with the local population and emphasize his respect for Islam.

2. Political Ambitions and Strategic Goals:

   • Napoleon’s fascination with Islam was not rooted in genuine religious devotion but rather in political ambition.
   • His invasion of Egypt was part of a broader strategy to threaten Great Britain’s global wealth sources.
   • By portraying himself as a friend to Islam, he hoped to win the hearts and minds of the Egyptian population, which he believed he had just freed from Ottoman oppression.
   • However, his republican virtues from the French Revolution were inherently anti-religion, and they did not align well with Muslim Egyptian life ².

3. Risk and Secrecy:

   • When Napoleon decided to return to mainland Europe to consolidate power, he faced significant risks.
   • The British had defeated the French navy at the Battle of the Nile, leaving Napoleon’s armies stranded in Egypt.
   • His departure was done with utmost secrecy to avoid interception by British warships. Remarkably, he managed to evade capture and continue his ambitions on the European mainland ³.

In summary, while Napoleon made statements that aligned with Islamic sentiments, his motivations were primarily political. His embrace of Islam was a calculated move to secure his position and influence in Egypt during a critical period. 🌟🗡️