To what extent is the circulating statement, "Its land is gold, its women are playthings, its men are overcome, and its people are gathered by the drum and dispersed by the stick," correctly attributed to Amr ibn al-'As in his description of Egypt to Umar ibn al-Khattab, and how can one respond to those who taunt Egyptians with this statement?

It has not been established that the saying "Egypt is a piece of Paradise" was uttered by Amr ibn al-Aas, may Allah be pleased with him. However, what is confirmed in books of سير (biographies/historical accounts) is that the people of Egypt loved him, and that he loved Egypt and governed it until he passed away there. Egypt and its people have many glorious achievements in Islam that overshadow such an unconfirmed saying.