Have you ever dreamt of experiencing a culture steeped in rich traditions and vibrant celebrations? Ramadan is the highlight of the Islamic calendar, a month-long festival characterized by both great restraint and great indulgence. Does Egypt celebrate Ramadan? The answer is a resounding yes! In fact, this Muslim-majority nation embraces Ramadan with unparalleled fervor, transforming everyday life into a beautiful spectacle.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the time of year when Allah (Arabic for ‘God’) first began revealing passages of the holy Koran (the Islamic Holy Book) to the profit Mohammed. Ramadan is a time of spiritual purification, where Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other worldly pleasures from sunrise to sunset. This fasting period is not only a physical challenge but also a journey of self-discipline, empathy, and gratitude.
As the Islamic calendar is dictated by lunar events, the fall of Ramadan changes each year. Ramadan typically begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, which marks the start of the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact start date of Ramadan can vary from one country to another, as it depends on when the new moon is sighted. The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, and each month lasts either 29 or 30 days.
As the crescent moon signals the beginning of Ramadan, a palpable shift washes over Egypt. The bustling streets in Egypt during Ramadan quieten down during fasting hours, replaced by an air of contemplation. Egyptians embrace Ramadan with a blend of religious devotion and cultural festivities.
Visiting Egypt during Ramadan means witnessing dazzling street decorations, enjoying delicious traditional foods, and feeling the deep sense of community that defines this month. Are you wondering if you can visit Egypt during Ramadan? Absolutely! This holy month is a unique time to experience Egypt’s rich traditions and vibrant culture. So, is it OK to visit Egypt during Ramadan? Yes! While daily life may slow down, evenings are filled with energy as families and friends gather for Iftar and Suhoor. Plan your trip wisely, and you’ll discover the beauty of Egypt’s Ramadan traditions firsthand. Whether it’s exploring historical sites with fewer crowds or indulging in the special Ramadan cuisine, this is a time of year unlike any other in Egypt.
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Key Aspects of Ramadan in Egypt
1. Fanous - فانوس: Lanterns of Light
As the sun sets, the streets of Egypt come alive with vibrant lanterns known as “fanous - فانوس” These beautiful decorations illuminate the cities, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.
The idea of Ramadan lanterns (fanoos) came from people’s need for lighting at the night when they go to mosques for prayers. As the lantern became a distinctive Ramadan tradition it took on beautiful shapes and colours. Starting in the Fatimid dynasty (909-1171 AD), craftsmen in Cairo began to make lanterns for Ramadan before the start of the holy the month, which would later become a worldwide tradition for Muslims.
Today, there is a sense of excitement when lanterns start to appear in the shops in the lead up to Ramadan. For us it’s a sign of the impending start of Ramadan and the season of happiness and joy. Everyone makes sure to buy lanterns to decorate their houses and streets, we even buy each child a lantern. And for women, it is a sign of love when their men buy them lanterns as gifts.
Ramadan lanterns vary in shape and the materials used, including tinplate, wood, glass, and plastic. But most people still prefer a more traditional type made with tinplate and stained glass. Lanterns are usually decorated Islamic motifs and calligraphy. Their size varies considerably, from a few centimetres to as much as four meters height. In the past candles were placed inside for light, whereas today lamps are used. Many include electric lamps and can even play Ramadan songs.
Fanoos making is a seasonal business which depends on people’s longing for Ramadan and its appealing atmosphere. If you’re in Egypt in the run up to, or during Ramadan I strongly urge you to visit a fanoos store to experience their diverse designs. You might even buy one as a souvenir of your time in Egypt.
Read also: Learn Arabic in Egypt: Guide
Fanous lanterns illuminate the streets during Ramadan in Egypt.
2. Iftar in Egypt - الإفطار في مصر: Breaking the Fast
Iftar, the breaking of the fast, is a cherished moment in Egypt during Ramadan. Egyptian families gather around lavish tables filled with traditional delicacies. As sunset is called by the Mosques who are in turn notified by Mecca (the Saudi Arabian center of the Muslim world), observers join with the families to break the fast with gigantic feasts called ‘Iftar’.
Egyptian cuisine takes center stage during Ramadan, with families preparing elaborate Iftar meals. When spending Ramadan in Egypt, you will enjoy eating the most delicious foods with different colors and flavors.
3. Rahman Table - مائدة الرحمن: Tables of Generosity
It refers to a communal iftar meal during Ramadan, where food is provided for the public, often sponsored by charitable individuals or organizations. As Ramadan is about generosity and appreciation, huge tables full of traditional Egyptian food are erected in the street. The food is funded by donations from the wealthy in aid of the poor.
Communal Iftar meals, known as Rahman Tables, are a common sight during Ramadan in Egypt.
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4. Musaharati - المسحراتي: The Dawn Awakener
One of the most cherished traditions in Egypt during Ramadan is the Musaharati, a person who wakes up the neighborhood before dawn with a drumbeat, calling residents to wake up for their pre-dawn meal.
Al-Mesaharaty is a position that only lasts for 30 days each year. The job description is very simple: use a small drum and walk the streets of Egypt and call for people to eat something before fasting.This tradition might seem a bit strange in today’s life but Al-Mesaharaty was very important in the past as he comes before sunrise to awake Muslims so they can prepare themselves for fasting by eating and drinking, and praying if they want to.
Children are the happiest to see Al-Mesaharaty. When they hear him, they run into the streets or onto their balconies and ask him to say their names, accompanied with much-loved titles for their future: “wake up Dr Youssef, wake up Engineer Mohamed”.
Every Mesaharaty has a neighbourhood to work. He comes every night between 01h00 and 03h00, except for the last day of Ramadan when he comes in the evening to say goodbye and to wish everyone Happy Eid (feast).
As Al-Mesaharaty role is non-official he is not paid a salary, so it is customary to give him tips. It would be greatly appreciated if you also tipped him. And why not interact with him, tell him your name so he can call you the same way he calls Egyptians for suhur.
5. Suhoor - سحور: The Pre-Dawn Meal
The pre-dawn meal, Suhoor - سحور, becomes a cornerstone of Egyptian Ramadan life. Families and friends gather before dawn for a hearty suhoor to sustain them throughout the fast. For Suhur, you can buy yogurt because people prefer to eat yogurt before fasting to keep them hydrated.
6. Maghrib Prayer - صلاة المغرب: Signaling the End of the Fast
As the sun dips below the horizon, the anticipation for Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast, reaches a fever pitch. The call to prayer for Maghrib (evening prayer - صلاة المغرب) marks the official start of Iftar, transforming homes and streets into vibrant scenes of celebration.
How Do Egyptians Celebrate Ramadan? | Easy Egyptian Arabic 39
Ramadan Traditions and Customs
Each year Egypt receives millions of visitors from all over the world. During the holy month of Ramadan, there is a significant increase in the number of visitors from Arab and Muslim countries as they come to enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of Egyptian cities during holy month. Ramadan not only has a special place in the hearts of Muslims, it is also the most important month of the year . It includes several traditions and religious, spiritual, and social individualities in addition to so much joy and happiness.
The traditional greeting for Ramadan is: “Ramadan Kareem”. It is used to wish a happy Ramadan, and refers to generosity and kindness. The reply to this is ‘Allah Akram’, which means ‘God is the most generous and most perfect in His attributes’. Both of the two greetings “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” resonates throughout the country, a wish for a blessed Ramadan. It encapsulates the spirit of generosity and gratitude that is deeply ingrained in the Egyptian way of life during this sacred month.
People usually start to decorate the streets a week before Ramadan. People who live in the same street often come together and collect money and make attractive decorations, which include the typical Ramadan lanterns and strings of lights and shapes of the crescent moon. These are joyous moments, and I encourage you to attend some of these events to enjoy an atmosphere of fun and excitement. You can just go ahead and offer your help. You will be most welcome.
According to the writer and jurist Abu-Bakr Al-Gassas, Ramadan decorations started in the Tulunid Dynasty (868 and 905 AD). Locals started to use colourful cloth to make their decorations. Later, paper was used until in modern times when electrical decorations began to be widely used. Ramadan decorations are both outdoor and indoor. People decorate the streets, mosques, balconies, as well as the rooms inside their houses. This is done in a casual and basic style rather than lavish and ostentatious. Sometimes people even make their own decorations at home using paper rather than buying ready-to-use decorations.
Traditional decorations of Ramadan use specific patterns. These are patterns that have long been used in wedding pavilions, and are still in use in many places in Egypt to this day. This link between Ramadan and weddings is intended to convey happiness and enjoyment, as if it’s a wedding that lasts for 30 days. Ramadan decorations also include Arabic calligraphy and representations only associated with Ramadan.
The Ramadan cannon is a traditional way of signalling it is time to break the fast and the start of the call for prayers. This tradition has its roots in Cairo, then spread throughout the cities of Egypt and several Islamic countries. The main Ramadan cannon is on the top of the Cairo Citadel.
Historians do not agree how this tradition came about, but there are three popular accounts. Every Egyptian waits to see Ramadan cannon video every day on TV before breaking the fast as this daily event is now a part of our religious heritage.
Egypt is considered the Hollywood of the Middle East. The entire industry prepares for Ramadan by producing new TV shows and films, and the viewing public are eager to see these new productions. Ramadan is also a time when new music and songs are produced. While many new songs are produced each year, most Egyptians prefer the traditional songs, as over the years these have become an important part of Ramadan.
Although Muslims in general are conservative, they become even more conservative during Ramadan. The image of this month as a time of the year devoted to prayers and rituals makes everyone avoid showing off - including not wearing revealing and inappropriate clothing. The idea of a Ramadan outfit was developed through the last two decades by women who want to look beautiful. Shopping for these items starts before Ramadan.
Celebrations and gatherings are common during Ramadan in Egypt.
Ramadan in Egypt: A Guide for Tourists
Traveling to Egypt during Ramadan can be a unique and enriching experience. If you’re lucky enough to travel in Egypt during Ramadan, you’re likely to see Egyptians at their most generous. That said, now the pros! Ramadan like a month long Christmas and cities and towns are decorated accordingly for the entire period. Every evening at sunset a feast known as ‘Iftar’ takes place. If you’re in Cairo, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the capital at its more peaceful. As the sunsets and the minarets start calling across the city, the inhabitants vacate to pray and eat with their families.
Many guidebooks will tell you to avoid this period and indeed there are some negative implications for travel in Egypt during Ramadan. First, the negative, historic sites may close earlier and restaurants outside of tourist resorts may open only late in the evening or not at all. Alcohol is significantly harder to come by but by no means impossible (the major hotel chains and resorts will stock up for the occasion), and transport schedules may be disrupted.
Traveling in Egypt during Ramadan offers a unique and fascinating experience for tourists, as the holy month transforms the country’s atmosphere into one of spirituality and festivity. To enjoy the atmosphere of Ramadan in Egypt and have the best and most unforgettable trip, it is necessary to plan well for this period, as it is different from the rest of the year. This is a smart step as it helps reduce travel costs. During the holy month, tourist areas and hotels can be crowded, especially those near major mosques. It is characterized by its calm atmosphere during the day and its vibrant life at night.
Here are some tips for tourists visiting Egypt during Ramadan:
- Plan Your Day Around Iftar: Traffic can become quite congested as people rush to break their fast at sunset.
- Experience the Nightlife: After iftar, the streets come alive with people and festivities.
- Join in the Celebrations: If you get a chance, accept an invitation to join an iftar meal.
- Be Mindful of Prayer Times: During Ramadan, Muslims do extra prayers in groups called Taraweeh.
- Learn a Few Arabic Phrases: Phrases like “Ramadan Kareem - رمضان كريم” (Have a generous Ramadan) and “Ramadan Mubarak - رمضان مبارك” (Blessed Ramadan) are appreciated and can enhance your interactions with locals.
- Stay Hydrated: It’s important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re traveling during the hotter months.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the spiritual and cultural beauty of Ramadan in Egypt. It is ok for visitors to Egypt to eat in the day during Ramadan as you’re not expected to fast. Don’t worry if you want to buy food and/or drink during the day when Egyptians are fasting ,or even at night. Most of the food markets are open 24/7 during Ramadan.
Make sure to check Ramadan opening times for sites and museums before your visit. Also, your tour guide might be fasting. If you’re invited for Iftar, then you can buy your host some desserts. A trip during Ramadan in Egypt requires you to adhere to certain things that help you respect local customs during this holy month. You should respect the fasting time of Ramadan. As soon as the Maghrib call to prayer is heard, people prepare to break their fast.
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