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Ramadan in Egypt is marked by fasting from dawn until sunset, intensified prayer and reflection, communal gatherings for Iftar, the enjoyment of traditional foods, charitable giving, and strengthened family and social bonds.
Ramadan in Egypt with the confirmation of the vision of the crescent of the great month of Ramadan, the Egyptian street turns into a beautiful celebration, so the movement of people in the markets is active to buy the usual Ramadan supplies, and the streets are decorated with colorful leaves and lanterns, and the sight of children carrying traditional Ramadan lanterns with them singing some folk songs, the most famous of which are: sweet, sweet..... Ramadan is generous and sweet.
The Egyptian street is distinguished in the month of Ramadan by the voices of the well-known Quran reciters in Egypt, including Sheikh Mohammed Rifaat, Sheikh Abdel Basset Abdel Samad, Sheikh Mohammed Siddiq al-Fanshawe, Sheikh (Ramadan Abdel Moez), religious singer (Mustafa Atef), Mahmoud Khalil al-Hosri and the prayers of Sheikh Mohammed Metwally Al-Shaarawi, which are listened to everywhere, to preserve the spirituality of this holy month and preserve the worship of fasting.
Ramadan dishes in Egypt,
Perhaps the first dish is the dish of beans, and this Ramadan dish is hardly devoid of a Ramadan table, where Bean sellers are spread everywhere in Egypt, with their distinctive voice urging people to buy, saying: if the beans are saved, I am not responsible. What came into your mind one day, you break the fast with us.
The Ramadan table is very rich and varied, as people start breakfast with dates, drinking milk, moonshine, carob, and eating "kasha", and some may like to drink fresh juices such as orange, mango, or cantaloupe, and after returning from the Maghrib prayer, people start eating foods that fill the tables with all kinds of foods and many, such as Mallow, soup, vegetables, pasta with bechamel, the table is decorated with a green salad or yogurt salad with cucumber, stuffed with grape leaves, grilled chicken or some women compete with each other in preparing food, exchanging vows and feasting with parents and relatives.
After breakfast is over, you should have some desserts, some of the most famous of which are: kunafa, Qatayef, baklava, muhallabiya, Umm Ali, and blah al-Sham.
A mosque during Ramadan in Cairo,
People go to perform Taraweeh prayers in various mosques, where they are filled with worshipers of different age stages. Women have a share in this field. many mosques have allocated a section for women to perform these devotional feelings. Taraweeh prayers are medium-length prayers where the imam recites a part or a little less of it, but this is not the whole. there are many mosques where worshippers pray in three parts, and there are even those who pray in ten parts where he begins to pray after dinner and ends late at night.
The Lantern of Ramadan in Egypt,
Ramadan lanterns are one of the most important popular manifestations in Egypt during the month of Ramadan, as they give a distinctive festive character that reminds them of the joy and the words that characterize the joys of Arabs and Muslims to sing and sing Ramadan songs, and many also see that the lantern represents a symbol of the blessed month of Ramadan, especially in beloved Egypt.
The beginning of Ramadan in Khan al-Khalili,
One of the main phenomena and features of Ramadan in Egypt is that its mosques are filled with worshippers, which is what prompts some mosque imams on the first Friday of Ramadan to deliver a distinctive sermon that worshippers used to hear every year about why there are not so many on ordinary days of the year, The Qiyam prayer (Tarawih) is also witnessing a strong turnout, especially in the last ten days, and on the night of fate.
One of the new phenomena in this context is the turnout for the tahajjud prayer, which runs from midnight until Suhoor time, as well as frequent Itikaf in major mosques, and the peak of Ramadan events on Laylat al-Qadr, where thousands of worshippers flock to major mosques, such as the "Amr ibn al-Aas" mosque since the noon prayer. It is associated with previous manifestations of seeing a lot of Quran readers on public transport, stopping serving alcohol, and a large number of bars voluntarily closing their doors. This is in addition to scenes of official religious activities through the Ministry of Awqaf, Al-Azhar, and others, such as Convoys of Preachers, The Forum of Islamic Thought, and the travel of preachers and readers to various parts of the world to commemorate the nights of Ramadan; which is greatly influenced by current global events.
The Mediterranean Bride of Alexandria,
What is happening in Ramadan in Alexandria is very similar to what is happening in Cairo, where mosques are filled with worshippers and praying of Tarawih and Tahajjud are spread in mosques. And the traffic in the city gradually decreases until it is completely absent at the time of Maghrib until the evening adhan and after the adhan, the streets are filled with people and the Ramadan tents are spread in the city and the Customs and traditions inherited for hundreds of years begin, in the first week of Ramadan, the exchange of visits, eating and feasting with parents, relatives and friends begins, and children buy lanterns, decorations and lanterns hang all over the city, and Tahajjud and Taraweeh prayers abound, and one of the most famous mosques organized in the city is the Qaed Ibrahim mosque, where crowds of worshippers come from all regions and neighborhoods the huge number of worshippers in Ramadan, especially in the last ten, reaches several thousand Worshippers gather from around the mosque to RAML Station Square, Corniche and even to areas far from the mosque and even next to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, traffic is completely disrupted and some streets are closed because of the large number of worshippers, especially in the last ten of Ramadan from midnight until the early hours of Dawn, and mosques are distinguished by many sheikhs with a wonderful voice and the most famous of them is the young Sheikh Hatem Farid. The tables of Mercy are also spread in the city and alms are distributed to the needy throughout the month of Ramadan, the reading of the Holy Quran is sealed in homes and mosques, affection and mercy are spread among people differences are forgotten, and minutes before the Moroccan adhan, volunteers are deployed on the roads to distribute water, dates and juices to those who are late to go home to break the fast. Fireworks (bumblebees and Rockets) are also launched into the streets as the sun sets.
In the city of Tanta, the bride of the Delta,
What happens in Ramadan in the city of Tanta, which is located in the center of Cairo and Alexandria and is 93 km away from Cairo and Alexandria 120 km is very similar to what happens in various Egyptian cities during the holy month, where an atmosphere of safety and stability prevails and we find streets adorned with lanterns and paper decorations prepared by young people and children, you also find commercial areas full of food and Ramadan Mr. Bedawi with colorful lights and you feel a spiritual atmosphere that is difficult for you to feel outside Egypt and enjoy the Holy Quran There are Ramadan courses organized by young people in the city of Tanta, as well as the sellers of kunafa and Qatif, and people gather at the time of Taraweeh prayers and find the streets crowded to the last, especially in Sayyid al-Badawi Square and the First Sea Street area of Fajr al-Islam mosque and the streets of the city are decorated with paper decorations, especially in young people prepare them themselves and lanterns with their diverse colors that create an atmosphere of joy in the souls of all Egyptians.
Ramadan cannon,
Breakfast Cannon. The hero of this sentence is the cannon, the sound of which was associated in the Egyptian human mind with family reunion and family warmth, no matter how far he traveled or traveled away; the cannon of Ramadan has Tales, stories, and history, some of which were the main hero, others the narrator, and sometimes he was content with the role of a companion, but nevertheless it still always evokes in our souls nostalgia for Ramadan and its nights.
History books tell that the ruler of Egypt in the Mamluk era, "Khoshqadam", was trying out a new cannon given to him by one of the governors, and it happened that the first shot came at the sunset of the first Ramadan in 859 ah, and after that, the sheiks and the people of Cairo flocked to the palace of "khoshqadam" thanking him for firing the cannon at the time of breakfast, so he continued to fire it after that.
Another version is that Muhammad Ali the Great, the governor of Egypt and the founder of the rule of the Alawite dynasty in Egypt from 1805 was trying a new cannon imported from Germany as part of his plans to modernize the Egyptian army, the first shot went off at the time of the Moroccan adhan in the month of Ramadan, so his voice was associated in the minds of the public with Iftar and Suhoor Ramadan, who called that Cannon "need Fatima", because of its association with the month of Ramadan, and his place was in the castle of "Salah al-Din Ayyubi".
In the middle of the nineteenth century, specifically during the reign of Khedive Abbas I in 1853, two cannons were launched for breakfast in Cairo: the first from the castle, and the second from the Sarai of "Abbas Pasha I" in Abbasiya - a suburb of Cairo - and during the reign of Khedive "Ismail" it was thought to put the cannon in a high place so that its sound reaches the largest area of Cairo, and settled in Mount Mokattam, where he celebrated before the beginning of Ramadan the castle stores again.
The function of the cannon has evolved and it was a tool to announce the vision of the crescent of Ramadan, after the vision is confirmed, the cannons are launched from the castle in celebration of the fasting month, in addition to firing 21 rounds throughout the three days of Eid.
Thus, the sound of the Cannon continued to be an essential element in the life of Egyptians during Ramadan through the cannon, which dates back to the era of "Muhammad Ali" until the radio appeared, so it stopped being fired from the castle in many cases, although the audio recording of it was broadcast daily on radio and television until officials decided to broadcast the launch on the air in the ears of Morocco from the castle, as the Egyptian Interior Minister Ahmed Rushdi decided in 1983 to re-launch the cannon from the "castle of Salah al-Din Ayyubi" throughout Ramadan on Suhoor and iftar, so the cannon returned its role and splendor.
However, at the beginning of the nineties, the Egyptian Antiquities Authority asked the Ministry of Interior to stop its release from the castle for fear of the area, which is an open Museum of Islamic antiquities, as it includes the castle "Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi", built in 1183 ad, and the"Marmari mosque", built by the great "Muhammad Ali" according to the Ottoman architectural style in 1830, in addition to the collectors "Sultan Hassan","Rifai", and the"four Castle museums". The authority warned that the firing of the Cannon 60 times on Suhoor and iftar Ramadan and 21 rounds each Azan on the three days of Eid affect the life span of these effects due to the vibrations caused by its firing.
Indeed, it was thought to move it to another place, and the opinion settled on Mount Mokattam again, as two of the three remaining cannons from the family of Muhammad Ali were moved there, and the third Cannon was kept as a tourist attraction in the courtyard of the Police Museum in Salah al-Din castle overlooking Cairo from a High Knoll. Until now, Egyptians heard the sound of cannons on the radio or television screens, which is considered a heritage and tradition of Ramadan in Egypt.
The word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, "the burning heat" and "drought." The month of Ramadan is when the Qur'an is revealed. Guidance for humanity, clear proof of guidelines, standards (right and wrong).
Ramadan in Egypt: A Month of Spirituality, Tradition, and Celebration
Ramadan is a time of utmost reverence for Muslims all over the world, and in Egypt, the month is even more adored by its people. It is full of fasting, prayers, charity work, and get-togethers and spans the period that celebrates the initial salutation of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad. Such is the country’s richness in her Islamic cultural values combined with the aliveness of her people’s way of life that each year during the month of Ramadan, Egypt becomes an enchanting wonderland. Where the old ways of observing the month complement the new festivities in a very beautiful way. The cities, the houses, and the temples are religiously, socially, and emotionally vibrant, filled with gaiety and togetherness.
Rush needs to ensure that the primary organizations and institutions in the society are nourished with soft power values, and the modern leaders of this country possess those values that were targeted for localization of the conceptual ones. Also, the descriptive, definition-based ideas were localized.
There is more to Ramadan in Egypt than simply refraining from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk—it is a season to dwell upon one’s self, grow in one’s spirituality, and reconnect with faith. For the month, Egyptians also spend more time praying, reading the Quran, and doing good work. The places of worship are crowded with people, especially during the Taraweeh prayers that are conducted every night after the Isha prayer.
In Cairo, the Al-Azhar Mosque has remained one of the venues for such congregations, likewise the imposing Mosque of Amr ibn al-As, which is the oldest mosque in Africa. There comes a time in the city when the cry of Adhan is heard so loud, signifying a reminder of the sacredness of that particular month. Even to the busy people, it seems there is a posture of calm and respect within the city that is a capital.
As the twilight descends, the peculiar period termed ‘Iftar’ commences, marking the conclusion of an established fast for the day. There is a sweet smell of the local delicacies of Ramadan wafting from the kitchens and restaurants in the Egyptian territories. Families come together at the Iftar for the essence of waving the fast and benefiting from gluttony. The initial one is taken with dates and a glass of water like the prophet Muhammad used to have before any meal—there is a range of Egyptian dishes served soon after.
Examples of the most preferable Iftar meals include molokhia (African gaea soup), mahshi (stuffed with rice and seasoning vegetables), foul (a dish of boiled fava beans), and koshary (a dish made of rice and noodles served with lentil sauce). Ramadan is not only experienced with food, which is why sweet dishes such as kunfa (syrup in a thin crust filled with cream or cheese), basbousa (syrup-soaked semolina cake), and atayef (stuffed mini pancakes) are adored in Egypt.
Crossing the bounds of in-house courtesy, Ramadan is also a season of selfless benevolence. Across the land of Egypt, there are Mawa’id al-Rahman, or tables of mercy, placed in different street corners and localities to provide free Iftar meals to all those who come. This practice of sharing and giving extends to the overall sense of community and charity that Ramadan represents.
As the lingering shadows of night hang around just before the break of dawn, a cherished Egyptian custom comes into play. The Mesaharati is a man who walks around the streets hitting a drum and calling people to wake for the meal of Suhur, which helps sustain Muslims during the fast before dawn. His well-articulated yells, customarily with the names of people residing in the locality, however, also vibrate in the narrow alleys and still areas.
This time-honored practice, which many people have continued to engage in, makes Ramadan in Egypt more attractive. In some places, children also costlessly attach their respective Mesaharati and their pleasant early morning activities.
One of the most delightful things about Ramadan in Egypt is how the colored lanterns are found in homes, mosques, and even the streets throughout the holy month. These fans represent the month of Ramadan in Egypt, and their use can be traced back to the Fatimid period. It is said that the people came out with fanooses in their hands when the Fatimid ceaser al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah entered Cairo in the holy month, thus the custom has been there ever since.
At the present time, these beautiful fanooses have reached not only the capital but also all other cities, turning them into an enchanting holiday. Certainly, families decorate their houses with fanooses, while children perform wearing them and singing riddles about the fasting month, and it works magically.
These streets of Egypt do not stay quiet after the Iftar meal is over. The scope of Ramadan night extends to pleasure, interaction, and a variety of events. The cafes, the restaurants, and the shops are mostly open till dawn, allowing the Egyptians to enjoy themselves with music, take a walk amidst the bright lights if they feel like it, or simply unstress themselves.
Kheimaat Ramadan-erected cultural tents are found scattered in the city. Offering various entertainment activities and Suhur foods. Within these tents, fringe stages are further enlivened with entertainment in the form of Tannoura (Sufi whirling dervishes), music, poetry, and many other forms of live artistic expression. There is no look back in how most of the Egyptians viewed those days when pampering the senses was as important as taking part in spiritual elevation.
Ramadan is the culmination period marked by Eid al-Fitr, which in English translates to the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” Various festivities accompany this day, the most customary being the special prayers offered at mosques and open spaces throughout the cities of Egypt. Families gather to rejoice with meals, presents, and new attire, and children are offered Eideya, a form of monetary present.
In essence, Eid al-Fitr encompasses happiness and thanksgiving for the ability to finish the fasting intervals. This period is also to appreciate the necessity for the continuation of those activities, as Egyptians also engage in charity by giving food and clothes to the poor.
Ramadan in Egypt
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar year. It is time for fasting, blessing, and prayers to commemorate the first verses of the Holy Qur’an of the Prophet Muhammad by the Holy Spirit Gabriel. It is a time when Muslims refrain from eating during daylight hours as a sacrifice to remind them of the challenges of the poor.
Despite the similar times themselves, they differ in the goodness and the guidance that takes place in them, and God Almighty has singled out the blessed month of Ramadan with many advantages that earn it a sanctuary and increase people's appetite for good works during it.
Traveling and Visiting Egypt during Ramadan Month
When you plan your tours to Egypt during Ramadan, you will notice that one of the characteristics of the month is that God Almighty revealed his wise book. To purify the hearts and fill the minds with wisdom, where God Almighty sent the Holy Qur’an to the lowest heaven in one sentence or the beginning of the descent of the Qur’an in it, then his verses were revealed according to what the wisdom of God Almighty requires and what distinguishes the month of Ramadan that God Almighty imposed on Muslims fasting during its day. It should be noted that fasting has great implications for servants, as he purifies their morals, cleanses their hearts, and repairs themselves.
The most distinguishing feature of the Ramadan Festival in Egypt is the presence of the greatest night, which is the Night of Power, in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed to our master Muhammad—may God bless him and grant him peace—and his descent was in the year six hundred and ten AD, and then the Messenger—may God bless him and grant him peace—was present in the cave of Hira, and in this, the place was revealed by the revelation of Gabriel—upon him be peace—and the first verse was revealed to him is the Almighty saying: "Read in the name of your Lord who created," and the Holy Qur’an was revealed at once in the Night of Power, which was its descent from the preserved tablet.
The reason for naming this month is because the word Ramadan is derived from the origin of Ramadan, which is defined as the intensity and strength of the heat, and its derivation is based on the weight of Ramadan, which means that it has become hotter, and the heat has passed in the sense that the heat has increased in intensity on them, and at that time they have transferred all the names of the months from the language that was prevalent in the old days, and they began to call it names related to the times, and this corresponds to Ramadan during the days of Ramadan, which means extreme heat and strong, and since then it was called Ramadan.
Ramadan Traditions in Egypt and rites consist of Muslims fast during Ramadan, it is one of the obligatory prayers that was imposed on Muslims, and it is one of the five pillars of Islam, which the Islamic religion is only valid. This timing is specified for all parts of the Earth with a difference in timing. Among the most important benefits of fasting is that it works to purify the human soul and draw closer to God Almighty by committing to the imposition of fasting, and in this great month all the gates of Hell are closed and the doors of mercy and forgiveness are opened to Muslims.
Exemptions to fasting include travel, menstruation, severe illness, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. However, many Muslims with medical conditions insist on fasting to satisfy their spiritual needs, although it is not recommended by hadith. Those unable to fast are obligated to make up the missed days later.
Suhur is the meal consumed early in the morning by Muslims before fasting (sawm), before dawn during or outside the Islamic month of Ramadan. The meal is eaten before the Fajr prayer. Suhur is matched to iftar as the evening meal during Ramadan, replacing the traditional three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), although in some places dinner is also consumed after iftar later during the night.
Being the last meal eaten by Muslims before fasting from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan, Suhur is regarded by Islamic traditions as a benefit of the blessings in that it allows the person fasting to avoid the crankiness or weakness caused by the fast. According to a hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari, Anas ibn Malik narrated, "The Prophet said, 'Take suhoor as there is a blessing in it.'"
At sunset, families break the fast with breakfast, and the meal opens traditionally, where people start to break their dates with moisture while drinking milk, moon religion, and a drink, and some may like to drink fresh juices such as oranges, mangoes, or melons. After returning from Maghrib prayer, people start eating Molokhia, soup, and mixed vegetables, such as pasta with bechamel and decorate the table with a green salad or yogurt salad with cucumbers and stuffed vine leaves. The main course is grilled chicken or some grill, such as kebab and kofta.
