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In February 2015, President Al-Sisi addressed the need to reduce the population growth rate in Egypt at a cultural conference attended by journalists, media personnel, and party leaders. He asked the Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, who was in the audience: "May I ask [Egyptians] who have one child to wait three or four years before having their second? May I ask those who have two children to wait six or seven years before having their third? May I ask those who already have three children to avoid having more?" Al-Tayeb responded that this was permissible according to Islamic law, and Al-Sisi explained that stemming the population growth was crucial to creating a strong and educated nation. The address was broadcast by CBC TV on February 1, 2015.
Following are excerpts:
Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi: It is going to take time to control the population growth. Can I ask someone who has a child to wait three, four, or five years before bringing a second child into the world? Can I ask someone with two children to wait six or seven years before bringing a third child into the world? Can I ask someone who already has three children to refrain from having another one? Can I ask that of him? Is it halal or haram, honorable Sheikh [of Al-Azhar]?
Sheikh of Al-Azhar: It is halal, halal, and halal. (We need it) so that the nation will not be lost.
Laughter and applause in the audience.
Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi: We want a nation that stands on its own two feet - an educated, strong and powerful nation, not just a number.
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