Mohamed Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected president, maintained a remarkably private yet steadfast personal life, with his marriage to Naglaa Mahmoud being the cornerstone of his romantic history. Their union, spanning over three decades until his passing, was characterized by a deep personal connection and her unique public role that deliberately eschewed traditional political spouse norms.
Naglaa Ali Mahmoud, born on July 4, 1962, was not just Morsi's wife but also his cousin. Their relationship began early in their lives, culminating in their marriage in 1979 when she was just seventeen years old and Morsi was twenty-eight. This long-standing partnership formed the bedrock of Morsi's personal life as he rose through the ranks of the Muslim Brotherhood and eventually to the highest office in Egypt.
Throughout their marriage, the couple raised five children: Ahmed, Shaima, Osama, Omar, and Abdullah. Their family life was often described as modest and rooted in traditional values, reflecting Morsi's own conservative stance. Naglaa Mahmoud's public persona became particularly notable during her husband's presidency, as she consciously chose to redefine the role of the first lady.
Upon Morsi's election in 2012, Naglaa Mahmoud famously rejected the title of "First Lady", preferring instead to be known as the "First Servant," the "president's wife," or simply "Umm Ahmed" (mother of Ahmed), a traditional honorific. This decision was a stark contrast to previous Egyptian presidential spouses, such as Suzanne Mubarak, who embraced a more Westernized and public image. Naglaa's choice underscored her commitment to traditional Islamic values and a more humble, service-oriented approach to her husband's public office.
Her public appearances were rare, but when she did speak, her words often conveyed strong support for her husband and his political path. She was seen at a few of his campaign rallies and later, notably, made a surprise appearance at a pro-Morsi rally in Nasr City in August 2013, during the tumultuous period following his ousting. At this event, she addressed thousands of supporters, expressing her conviction that her husband would "come back," a testament to her unwavering loyalty.
The circumstances surrounding Morsi's presidency and subsequent imprisonment also brought aspects of their relationship into the public eye. Naglaa Mahmoud remained a staunch advocate for her husband, maintaining contact with him during his detention. In an interview after his death, she and her son Ahmed revealed that Morsi had foreseen the challenges he would face, telling his family that the West would not allow Islamists to rule in Egypt. Naglaa stated, > "As for me, I did not expect that to happen, but I used to believe what he said because the president's predictions were always true. However, I was ready."
Her steadfastness continued even after Morsi's death in June 2019 during a court session. Naglaa Mahmoud, along with her sons, affirmed that they considered him a martyr, highlighting the profound impact of his political journey and ultimate demise on their family. Her quiet dignity and unwavering support, even in the face of immense public scrutiny and personal hardship, defined her role as Mohamed Morsi's wife and partner throughout his life and controversial political career. Their relationship, while not marked by public displays of affection or celebrity glamour, was a testament to a deep, traditional bond that endured through significant political upheaval.