Islam in Daily Life

About 90% of Egyptians are Sunni Muslims, and Islam shapes daily life in a way that may be unfamiliar to European visitors: The call to prayer (Adhan) resounds five times a day from thousands of mosques (in Cairo literally simultaneously — a soundscape that can be overwhelming). Many shops close for Friday prayers. Alcohol is not forbidden but is not widely available (only in hotels, licensed restaurants, and duty-free shops).

The Ramadan (the fasting month, during which nothing is eaten, drunk, or smoked from sunrise to sunset) radically changes the country: The pace is slowed during the day, many restaurants are closed. But after sunset, life explodes — the Iftar meals are festive, the streets lively until late at night, Ramadan lanterns (Fanous) adorn the cities. Those traveling during Ramadan should refrain from eating or drinking in public out of respect.