Muslims all over the world wait eagerly for the blissful month of Ramadan. Allah opens the doors of utmost mercy and forgiveness during this month. Many people save money all year round to book a Ramadan Umrah package. Umrah in Ramadan, especially in the last ten days of the month, has a surreal feel. The rest of the Muslim world also vows to celebrate the sanctity of this holy month with the best of spirits. Egyptians also welcome Ramadan wholeheartedly. Many people book an Egypt tour to witness the amazing Egyptian traditions during Ramadan.
When is Ramadan in Egypt in 2022?
Ramadan in Egypt in 2022 began on the 2nd of April 2022. The fast lasts for about fourteen hours, during which they abstain from eating and drinking. Depending on the sighting of the moon, the month will last for either 29 or 30 days. After that, the Egyptians will celebrate the auspicious event of Eid to thank Allah for blessing the holy month of Ramadan.
What is Ramadan in Egypt?
Egyptians welcome Ramadan with great zeal and fervour. Egyptian traditions for Ramadan are famous all over the world. They inspire the rest of the Muslim world to celebrate Ramadan in their way. Egyptian traditions for Ramadan have been passed down from the previous generations to keep the holy spirits of Islam alive. That is why you can see children actively taking part in the celebrations. From the beginning, their elders teach them about the importance of Ramadan.
Egypt traditions in Ramadan: –
According to Egyptian traditions, the celebrations for Ramadan begin long before even the arrival of the month. Markets of traditional decor, foods, and souvenirs light up and sell the merchandise to full capacity. People start planning for the upcoming month to make the most out of it. Here are some of the famous Egyptian traditions for Ramadan.
Congregational Prayer Festivities: –
During Ramadan, people try to offer as many of the obligatory prayers in the congregation, as possible. Especially, they offer the Taraweeh prayer after Isha in the congregation. During Taraweeh’s prayer, they listen to the recitation of the Holy Quran. The idea of Taraweeh’s prayer is to foster a sense of unity and brotherhood amongst the Muslims. Many people decide to offer the prayer together at a particular mosque. Similarly, people also engage in collective charitable efforts such as raising funds for the poor and needy. Ramadan is a month of caring for each other. According to Egyptian traditions, people come together to help the poor and needy celebrate Eid as happily as the privileged ones do. Caring for the unfortunate ones is one of the most preferred forms of worship for Allah.
Traditional Cannon Firing For Iftar: –
Like most African countries, Egypt marks the start and end of fast by firing cannon. However, many people believe that this tradition took birth in the lands of Egypt, specifically in Cairo. Whereas some people believe that cannon firing took place from Saladin Citadel and Muqattam Hill.
Ramadan Food In Egypt: –
Egyptian traditions dictate wholesome and mouthwatering food for all during Ramadan. People plan iftar parties where they could eat together and celebrate the holy month. The sale of nutritious foods such as dates, apricot paste, dried plums, tamarinds, and nuts rises phenomenally as these are an
integral part of the Egyptian iftar. Some of the popular traditional Ramadan food Egypt offers is as follows: –
Mahshi: –
A nutritious choice for iftar, Mahshi is a traditional Egyptian rice platter filled with vegetables.
Rokak: –
A delectable savoury, Rokak is a minced meat pastry. Egyptian traditions require rokak to honour the iftar table. It is a quick side dish that ignites your taste buds.
Molokheya: –
A full of nutrients soup, molokheya gives the necessary energy to sustain during Ramadan. It is served with chicken and rice.
Kunafe: –
Tantalize your taste buds with the exotic flavours of Kunafe. Bursting with mozzarella cheese and rich cream from a cake of vermicelli and topped with a rich sweet syrup, Kunafe is a treat for your sweet tooth.
Hummus: –
A popular side dish, Hummus is a chickpea paste drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. You can eat hummus with bread in suhoor to stay active all day long.
Traditional Drinks: –
Egyptian traditions encourage the use of nutritious and full of minerals drinks that keep you hydrated. Kamar al-din, karkade, and Tamr Hindi are some of these famous drinks that quench your thirst to perfection.
Ramadan Decor Shops And Markets: –
To witness the festivities of Ramadan in Egypt, hit the streets of Cairo for a remarkable experience. Al-Azhar market is the epitome of Egyptian traditions for Ramadan. You can find Ramadan and Eid essentials here. It has exquisite jewellery, henna, decorative pieces, lanterns, and countless other items to enthral you. Ramadan in Cairo is an experience to remember for a lifetime. Take a trip down the memory lane across the Medieval Cairo. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Nile as you delve into appetizing Egyptian cuisine.