Egypt

Egypt is a country steeped in history, culture, and spirituality, making it a top destination for Muslim travellers. With its rich Islamic heritage and magnificent landmarks, Egypt offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and spiritual enlightenment.

Egypt has long been a center of Muslim learning and scholarship. The country is home to many historic mosques, madrasas, and Islamic centers that showcase the country’s Islamic history and heritage. Cairo, Egypt’s capital, is particularly renowned for its Islamic architecture and ancient Islamic sites such as the Al-Azhar Mosque and the Citadel of Salah El Din.

For Muslim families, Egypt offers a wealth of activities and attractions to keep children entertained and engaged. From visiting the Pyramids of Giza to exploring ancient tombs, temples, and museums, there is something for everyone. Additionally, Egypt is known for its warm hospitality and friendly locals, making it a welcoming and safe destination for families.

For Muslim honeymooners, Egypt offers a romantic and enchanting atmosphere, perfect for newlyweds to celebrate their love. From cruising down the Nile River to exploring ancient ruins, there are endless opportunities for couples to make unforgettable memories.

Finally, for those interested in halal travel, Egypt offers a wide range of halal food options, mosques and prayer facilities, and a generally Muslim-friendly environment. Muslim travellers can relax and enjoy their vacation without having to worry about compromising their religious beliefs or practices.

Egypt is a fascinating and diverse destination that offers something for everyone, particularly Muslim travellers. With its rich Islamic heritage, ancient landmarks, warm hospitality, and halal-friendly environment, Egypt is a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and spiritual enlightenment.

Must See

Here are five things that Muslim travellers must do or see while in Egypt:

Visit the Pyramids of Giza: No trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These ancient structures, built over 4,500 years ago, are a testament to the incredible engineering and architectural achievements of the ancient Egyptians.

Explore Islamic Cairo: Islamic Cairo is home to a wealth of historic mosques, madrasas, and Islamic monuments. Some of the must-visit sites in Islamic Cairo include the Al-Azhar Mosque, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, and the Sultan Hassan Mosque.

Take a Nile River Cruise: A Nile River cruise is a great way to see the beauty of Egypt’s landscape and explore the country’s ancient temples and ruins. Muslim travellers can enjoy the scenery while also experiencing the tranquility and spirituality of the Nile River.

Visit the Abu Simbel Temples: The Abu Simbel Temples are two massive rock temples located in southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan. These temples were built by Pharaoh Ramses II to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh, and they are renowned for their stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

Explore Alexandria: Alexandria is a beautiful coastal city in northern Egypt that is steeped in history and culture. The city is home to a number of important Islamic landmarks, including the Qaitbay Citadel, the Al-Mursi Abu al-Abbas Mosque, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

Cuisine

Egyptian cuisine is a delicious blend of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and African flavors, making it a unique and varied culinary experience. Muslim travellers visiting Egypt can enjoy a variety of halal dishes, as the majority of the country’s population is Muslim and halal food is widely available.

One of the most popular dishes in Egypt is Koshari, a hearty vegetarian dish made with rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, and a flavorful tomato sauce. Another popular dish is Ful Medames, a hearty breakfast dish made with fava beans, olive oil, and spices.

Meat lovers can enjoy a variety of halal meat dishes, such as Kofta (grilled minced meat), Shawarma (spit-roasted meat), and Kebab (grilled meat skewers). Seafood is also popular in Egypt, particularly along the coast, where travellers can enjoy fresh fish, shrimp, and other seafood dishes.

For those with a sweet tooth, Egyptian desserts are a must-try. Traditional sweets include Basbousa (a semolina cake soaked in syrup), Konafa (a pastry made with phyllo dough and filled with cheese or nuts), and Baklava (a pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and syrup).

Muslim travellers in Egypt will find a range of dining options, from casual street food vendors to upscale restaurants. Alcohol is not widely consumed in Egypt, and Muslim travellers can enjoy a variety of refreshing non-alcoholic drinks, such as hibiscus tea, mint tea, and fresh fruit juices.
Islam
Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, with over 90% of the population identifying as Muslims. As such, Islam has played a significant role in shaping the country’s history, culture, and way of life.

Muslim travellers to Egypt will find a wealth of Islamic landmarks and pilgrimage sites to visit. One such site is the Al-Azhar Mosque, located in the heart of Islamic Cairo. Al-Azhar is one of the oldest and most prestigious Islamic universities in the world, and the mosque itself is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture. Muslim travellers don’t just travel for buildings and sightseeing, but to visit pious people and at Al-Azhar Mosque and University, you will be able to bask in the presence of the righteous and the scholars.

Another mosque worth visiting is the Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, located in the Citadel of Cairo. Built in the 19th century by the Ottoman ruler Mohamed Ali, the mosque features a distinctive design and stunning views of the city.

Muslim travellers may also be interested in visiting the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As, located in the Fustat area of Cairo. This mosque is the oldest surviving mosque in Egypt and is considered to be one of the most important mosques in Islamic history. It was built in 642 AD by Amr ibn al-As, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and the first Muslim governor of Egypt. The mosque also played a significant role in spreading Islam throughout Egypt and beyond. Amr ibn al-As is credited with introducing Islam to Egypt, and the mosque served as a center of Islamic learning and scholarship for many centuries.

In addition to these historic mosques, Muslim travellers can also visit a number of Islamic museums and cultural centers throughout Egypt. One such museum is the Islamic Art Museum, located in Cairo, which houses a collection of Islamic art and artifacts from across the Muslim world.
Best Time To Go
In terms of weather, the best time to visit Egypt is during the winter months between November and February, when the temperatures are mild and pleasant. This is a great time to explore the country’s ancient monuments and historic sites without the scorching heat of the summer months.

In terms of crowds, it’s advisable to avoid visiting Egypt during the peak tourist season, which falls between December and January. During this time, prices are high, and the popular tourist destinations can be pretty crowded. The shoulder season between March and May and September to November is a good time to visit as crowds are smaller, and prices are more reasonable.

Ramadan is indeed a lively time to visit Egypt, especially in the larger cities like Cairo and Alexandria. During this time, Muslims fast during the day and break their fast at sunset with a meal known as Iftar. There are often vibrant celebrations and events that take place during Ramadan, including street food markets, cultural performances, and religious gatherings. However, it’s worth noting that some businesses may operate on reduced hours or close entirely during Ramadan, so it’s important to plan accordingly.