Language/Egyptian-arabic/Culture/Ramadan-and-Eid-Al-Fitr
Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr are two of the most important events in the Muslim calendar. During these occasions, Muslims around the world fast during the day and break their fast in the evening. In Egypt, Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr are celebrated with great enthusiasm and are deeply intertwined with the country's culture and customs. In this lesson, you will learn about the customs and traditions of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr in Egypt.
Finish this lesson and explore these related pages: Modern Egyptian History & Family Values.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, and it is during this month that Muslims are required to fast. Fasting during Ramadan means abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. In Egypt, it is common to wake up before dawn to have a meal, called suhoor, before the start of the fast. At sunset, the fast is broken with a meal called iftar.
During Ramadan, it is typical for Egyptians to increase their level of piety, and mosques are often filled with worshippers participating in Taraweeh prayers. It is also common for families and friends to come together for iftar, sharing food and laughter.
Egyptians also have unique Ramadan desserts, such as qatayef, a sweet pancake filled with nuts or cheese, and konafa, a pastry made with thin noodle-like pastry, cheese or cream, and syrup. Additionally, the streets of Cairo come alive at night during Ramadan with lantern displays and street food vendors.
Eid Al-Fitr
Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal. It is a joyous occasion that is celebrated across the Muslim world. In Egypt, people dress up in new clothes and visit family and friends to wish them Eid Mubarak, which means "blessed Eid." It is also customary to give children money or small gifts, called Eidiya.
On the day of Eid, families typically start the morning with a special breakfast, called Fesikh, which is a traditional Egyptian dish made from salted and fermented mullet. They then attend Eid prayers at the mosque, which is usually followed by a family gathering.
One of the enduring traditions of Eid Al-Fitr in Egypt is the exchange of Kahk, which are sweet, shortbread-like cookies that are often filled with nuts, dates, or sweetened coconut. Kahk are traditionally made at home and then exchanged with family, friends, and neighbors.
Vocabulary
Here are some useful vocabulary words related to Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr:
| Egyptian Arabic | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| رمضان | Ramadan | Ramadan |
| صيام | Sayam | Fasting |
| سحور | Sohor | Pre-dawn meal |
| إفطار | Iftar | Breaking the fast |
| تهاني العيد | Tahanee al'Eid | Eid greetings |
| فطائر قطايف | Fata'er qatayef | Qatayef pancakes |
| كنافة | Konafa | Konafa pastry |
| خبز العيد | Khubz al'Eid | Eid bread |
| فسيخ | Fesikh | Fermented fish dish eaten on Eid |
| كحك | Kahk | Sweet cookies |
Conclusion
Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr are important events in the Islamic calendar and hold significant cultural and social importance in Egypt. These occasions are a time for reflection, piety, and celebration, and they highlight the close-knit nature of Egyptian families and communities. By learning more about the customs and traditions surrounding Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr in Egypt, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the country's culture and customs.
Sources
Great work on completing this lesson! Take a moment to investigate these connected pages: Egyptian History & Egypt Timeline.
Other Lessons
- Religion in Egypt
- Islamic Era and Monuments
- Family Values
- Greetings and Politeness
- Egypt Timeline
- Ancient Egyptian History
- Egyptian Cuisine
- Modern Egyptian History