Egypt is the land of pharaohs, pyramids, and also hosts a rich and vibrant Islamic heritage. Before your start planning your trip to Egypt, you better know about religions of Egypt. Indeed, the arrival of Islam in the 7th century CE marked a turning point, shaping Egyptian culture, architecture, and society. Understanding Egypt’s Islam is not only for religious scholars; it is imperative for any traveler seeking to appreciate this country more fully.
The constitution of Egypt states that “Islam is the religion of the state, and that the principles of Islamic Sharia are the main source of legislation”. Islam is the third of the Monotheistic Abrahamic Faith. Islam originated with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century. Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last of all religious prophets and that the Qur’an was revealed to him by God. Islam derives from the word submission and obedience to God is a primary theme in this religion.
Universality of Islam
Unfortunately, it is general tendency of the western media to portray Islam in an erroneous way. They try to create a picture of rigid and fanatical fundamentalists. Of course, this is far from the truth. Islam is a universal religion. It claims to be the true way to Allah for all peoples, for all times.
The concept of universality in religion requires that it overcomes not only the bounds of geography and nation but also the bounds of time. Only Islam can boast of this feat. For the simple reason that it is a a religion whose teachings are related to the human psyche, i.e., its soul and spirit. Islam emphasizes that any religion which is rooted in the human psyche transcends time and space. As the human psyche is unchangeable, then the religion which is closely connected with it is unchangeable also.
That is, whatever stage of material development mankind achieves. The psychological needs of man will not change, and Islam will at all times be in a position to satisfy them. The universality of Islam appears at many levels and manifestations:
1- Acceptance of all teaching
2- No compulsion in religion
3- Equality of Man
A Brief History of Islam in Egypt
The coming of Islam to Egypt was the result of a complex historical process that involved many centuries. Military conquest in the 7th century-the first phase-involved the Arab-Muslim forces, led by General Amr ibn al-As, who annexed Egypt from the Byzantine Empire between 639 and 642 AD. This conquest met with a range of responses from local communities, from resistance through to collaboration.
The influence of Islam upon Egypt was not restricted to military conquests. Trade and peaceful interactions made vital contributions, with Muslim merchants and settlers being attracted to the rich trade routes down the Nile. The communities that were gradually built up through these means contributed substantially to changing the culture and religions of the region.
In this era, Egypt also boasted a significant Coptic Christian population. Relations between the Muslim victors and the Copts varied: some Copts went with the times to coexist with their new overlords, while others were more sanguinary.
The Arab conquerors, however, practiced a certain degree of religious tolerance, allowing their Christian and Jewish subjects to continue practicing their respective religions under certain conditions. Due to the changes in socio-economic status, intermarriages, and cultural exchange, most of the people over time accepted Islam.
Islamic Cairo Tour
Upon the institution of Islam rule in Egypt, Egypt became an integral part of the Islamic Caliphate. The new rulers introduced transformative administrative, legal reforms, and architectural reforms that deeply influenced Egyptian society. With this, the harmonious coexistence of several religious communities through the ages has bequeathed Egypt a rich, multi-faceted religious heritage. The arrival of Islam marked a profound and enduring chapter in its history.
Fast-forward to the present times, and Islam continues to be the religion of choice for approximately 92% of Egyptians. Sunni Islam is the predominant branch, though a small Shia minority does exist. If you are thinking of an Islamic Cairo tour, you will be surrounded by grand mosques such as the Muhammad Ali Mosque, testaments to Egypt’s Islamic legacy.
What is Islam and its core principles?
Islam, meaning “submission” in Arabic, is a monotheistic religion emphasizing complete devotion to Allah (God). Its core principles are enshrined in the Quran, believed to be the literal word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Five pillars, the foundation of Islamic practice, guide the lives of believers:
1: The Testimony (Shahada) of Faith:
Laa- Ilah- Ila- Allah, and Muhammad Rasoul Allah.
This testimony has many parts.
“La-Illah” negates that anything or anyone deserves to be worshipped other than Allah.
“Illa-Allah” affirms that Allah alone truly deserves to be worshipped.
“Muhammad Rasoul Allah” Muhammad is the Prophet and Messenger of the God.
2: The second pillar is prayer.
Muslims pray to their God five times per day
1. Fajr, (Dawn prayer)
2. Dhur (Noon prayer)
3. Aasr (Afternoon prayer)
4. Maghrib (Sunset prayer)
5. Isha (Night prayer).
There are some prerequisites for the prayers as; Islam, intention, sanity, discretion, cleanliness of body and place, prayer time, covering private body parts, and facing Makkah (Mecca).
3. The third pillar is Fasting. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is obligatory upon every Muslim, sane, post-pubescent, and capable of fasting. Other than women experiencing their monthly menses or post-partum bleeding.
4. The fourth pillar is Charity (Zakah)Zakah is obligatory if five conditions are met; Islam, Freedom, Ownership of the amount upon which Zakah becomes due, Complete and stable ownership, and Completion of a year, except in the case of produce.
5. The fifth pillar is the Pilgrimage (Hajj). Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for anyone who is Muslim, Sane, Pubescent, Free, and has the means to perform it with respect to being able to afford its provision and conveyance.
Understanding these principles provides a framework for appreciating the role of Islam in Egyptian daily life. The call to prayer echoing from minarets, the importance of Ramadan, and the presence of mosques are all integral parts of the Egyptian experience.
Islam/Muslim Creed
The Muslims take their creed of faith from two major sources; the Book of Allah (Qur’an) and, the authentic Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad who doesn’t speak of his desire.
The Qur’an literary means “what is often recited”. The Qur’an represents the fountainhead of Divine guidance for every Muslim. Its revelation to the prophet Muhammad and his practical implementation of the revelation completed God’s blessing for humanity in providing us with a belief and value system that is valid for all times.
The Qur’an confirms the revelations given to earlier prophets though these might not be accessible to us, in the form they were originally revealed. It will continue to guide those who turn to God with a sincere heart, for all times.
While Sunnah is the statements of the prophet including everything the prophet said, made, or did for various reasons on different occasions. As well as the tacit approvals of the prophet include everything that his companions said or did that either showed his favor towards or at least did not object to. The tacit approval of the prophet is as valid as anything that he said or did himself.
Sunni & Shia Islam
Muslims are Sunni or Shia, they split from each other over a religious-political leadership dispute about the rightful successor to the prophet Muhammad. The Shia believe Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law (Ali Ibn Abi Talib), was the only divinely ordained Imam (religious leader), while the Sunni maintain the first three caliphs after the prophet Muhammad (Abu Bakr, Omar, and Othman) were legitimate authorities.
In modern times Sunni and Shia continue to have different views of acceptable schools of Islamic Jurisprudence and who is a proper Islamic religious authority. Sunni Muslims account for 80% of the world’s Muslims while Shia accounts for 20% of Muslims worldwide.
Islam arrived in Egypt in AD 642, from the Arabian Peninsula by Amr Ibn Al Aas, who founded the first Islamic capital in Egypt in Al Fustat (modern Old Cairo) and founded there, the first mosque in Africa, the Mosque of Amr.
The vast majority of Muslims in Egypt are Sunni, and Egypt hosts the most important Sunni institution in the world, Al Azhar University, which is the oldest Islamic institution of higher studies, founded in AD 970.
Muslims in Egypt celebrate some festivals which are national holidays
Islamic/Lunar New Year.
Molid El Naby (Prophet’s birthday).
Eid Al Fitr (03 days feast following the fasting month of Ramadan).
Eid Al Adha (04 days feast, the feast of sacrifices, on the 10th day of Dhul Hajjah, last month in the lunar calendar, during the pilgrimage season).
Relationships Between Muslims and Non-Muslims in Egypt
Egypt is also home to a significant Christian minority, primarily the Coptic Church. Though Islam is the state religion, the constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Generally, Muslims and non-Muslims coexist peacefully, with a rich history of interfaith dialogue. However, there have been occasional tensions, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and understanding.
Travelers to Egypt should be aware of basic Islamic etiquette. Dressing modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites, is a sign of respect. Familiarizing yourself with customs during Ramadan, such as adjusted restaurant hours, can also enhance your experience.
The Egyptian constitution states that “Freedom of belief is absolute” and “The freedom of practicing religious rituals and establishing worship places for the followers of divine Abrahamic religions is a right regulated by law”.
The constitution also states that citizens are equal before the law and criminalize discrimination and incitement to hatred based upon religion, belief, sex, origin, race, or any other reason. The government officially recognizes Sunni Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, and allows only their adherents to publicly practice their religion and build houses of worship.
A good example of the religious tolerance in Egypt is the Old Cairo District which is known as the ‘Community of Religions’ because the three official religions of Egypt are represented there by their holy places.
Most Popular Islamic Terminology
Assalaamu Alaikum: A general greeting in Islamic culture, which means, ‘Peace be upon you’.
Caliph: Successor of Mohamed as leader of the Muslim community.
Eid: Means a festivity, a celebration, a feast.
Fatwa: An Islamic legal ruling or edict.
Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca during the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims are reuired to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime, if means and health allow.
Hijab: Veil for women to wear.
Jihad: A struggle or effort in Allah’s cause. The great Jihad is the inward struggle against the passions. The lesser Jihad is a defensive or legal war, to protect the interest of Islam. It is mistakenly called holy war. Jihad is the Muslim obligation to strive to teach, explain, spread, and protect the message of Islam.
Shahada: Confessing or bearing witness to Allah’s unity and Mohamed’s role as messenger. ‘I testify that there is no god but Allah, and Mohamed is his prophet’. A person must recite the shahada to convert to Islam.
Why Understanding Egypt’s Islam Matters?
Egypt’s Islamic heritage is woven into the very fabric of the country. From its history and architecture to its customs and traditions, Islam plays a central role. By understanding Egypt’s Islam, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for this fascinating nation. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Cairo or marveling at ancient temples, recognizing the importance of Islam will allow you to connect with Egypt on a more meaningful level. So, come with an open mind and a thirst for knowledge, and let Egypt’s Islam enrich your journey.