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 Islam in Egypt is not only for religious scholars. It is important for any traveler who wants to appreciate the country more fully.
The constitution of Egypt states that “Islam is the religion of the state. It also states 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 contact played a key role. Muslim merchants and settlers were drawn to the rich Nile trade routes. 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 adapted and lived with their new rulers. Others resisted and became more violent.
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. Because of changes in socio-economic status, intermarriage, and cultural exchange, most people accepted Islam over time.
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 peaceful coexistence of many religious communities over time has given Egypt a rich, diverse 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 prayers: Islam, intention, sanity, discretion, and cleanliness of the body and place. Prayer time must have started. You must cover private body parts. You must face 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 required if five conditions are met. These are Islam, freedom, and owning the amount that makes Zakah due. It also requires full and stable ownership. A full year must pass, except for produce.
5. The fifth pillar is the Pilgrimage (Hajj). Hajj is required once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is sane, has reached puberty, is free, and can afford it.
Understanding these principles provides a framework for appreciating the role of Islam in Egyptian daily life. The call to prayer echoes from minarets. Ramadan is important. Mosques are a key part of life in Egypt.
Islam/Muslim Creed
Muslims take their creed from two main sources: the Book of Allah (the Qur’an) and the authentic Sunnah. The Prophet Muhammad did not speak from his own 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 practice of it, completed God’s blessing for humanity. It gave us a belief and value system that remains valid for all times.
The Qur’an confirms the revelations given to earlier prophets, even if we cannot access them as first revealed. It will continue to guide those who turn to God with a sincere heart, for all times.
While Sunnah includes the Prophet’s statements and actions, it covers what he said, made, or did. As well as the Prophet’s tacit approvals include anything his companions said or did that he approved of. They also include anything he 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 over a religious and political dispute. The dispute was about who should succeed the Prophet Muhammad. The Shia believe that Ali Ibn Abi Talib was Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law. They believe he was the only Imam chosen by God. The Sunni believe the first three caliphs after the Prophet Muhammad were legitimate leaders. They were Abu Bakr, Omar, and Othman.
In modern times, Sunni and Shia still have different views. They differ on accepted schools of Islamic jurisprudence. They also differ on 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 came to Egypt in AD 642 from the Arabian Peninsula. Amr Ibn Al Aas led this arrival. He founded Egypt’s first Islamic capital in Al Fustat, now Old Cairo. He also built Africa’s first mosque there, the Mosque of Amr.
The vast majority of Muslims in Egypt are Sunni. Egypt also hosts Al Azhar University, the world’s most important Sunni institution. It is the oldest Islamic institution of higher learning. It was 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 is a four-day feast. It is also called the Feast of Sacrifice. It begins on the 10th day of Dhul Hajjah. Dhul Hajjah is the last month in the lunar calendar. It takes place 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, “Freedom of belief is absolute.” It also states, “The freedom to practice religious rituals is a right regulated by law.” It adds that establishing places of worship is allowed for followers of Abrahamic religions.
The constitution also states that all citizens are equal under the law. It also makes it a crime to discriminate. It is also illegal to incite hatred based on 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 religious tolerance in Egypt is the Old Cairo District. It is known as the “Community of Religions” because it includes holy places for Egypt’s three official religions.
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 required 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 Cairo’s busy streets or visiting ancient temples, understanding Islam helps you connect with Egypt more deeply. So, come with an open mind and a thirst for knowledge, and let Egypt’s Islam enrich your journey.