The Most Important Holiday in Egypt

In this article we are going to give you all the information you need to know about what is the most important holiday in Egypt.

Muslims all over the world are always united in one activity whenever the period of fasting approaches the month of Ramadan. You will find Muslims young and old alike celebrating this season of holiness and spirituality. After fasting for thirty days, the holy month ends with a time of celebration. As the first of the two legal holidays in Islam, Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan (the holy season of fasting).

Eid al-Fitr in Egypt is a time for special visits and receptions where friends visit each other, gifts are given, and new clothes are worn. This season is always marked as The Most Important Holiday in Egypt, because it is indeed a season to enjoy for Muslims. But how is Eid al-Fitr in Egypt? Here are some interesting facts about what to expect when you go to celebrate the end of Ramadan in Egypt.

Eid Ul-Fitr In Egypt

Eid al-Fitr is one of the biggest celebrations in Egypt.  In fact, it’s a three-day holiday in Egypt. The word Eid (from Arabic) means celebration, feast and frequent joy but for Egyptians, this word rings more than just bells.  If you mentioned the word “Eid” to any Egyptian, he would respond with a sense of joy, reflecting a heart full of joy as if he were still a child.

Read the following to know more about what is the most important holiday in Egypt.

Ramadan in Egypt

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Marking the official end of Ramadan, the period of fasting, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with vigor throughout the Islamic world, and Egypt is no exception.  You’ll find some small restaurants and bars in Cairo that continue to serve food to guests who don’t share their faith; However, many of them close early or even completely during the day, to ensure that employees go home so they can break their fast at sunset.  After dark, the streets are filled with people ready to indulge themselves with delicious dishes, after a late evening of extra prayer and more eating.

Bathing before going out for Eid prayer.

It was authenticated in Al-Muwatta’ that Abdullah bin Omar used to wash himself on the day of Fitr before going to the prayer place in the morning. [Al-Muwatta 428]

Al-Nawawi, may God have mercy on him, said: “Muslims are unanimously agreed that it is desirable to perform ablution for Eid prayer.

2- Eat three dates before going out for Eid al-Fitr prayer.

 It is the Sunnah of the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, to eat three dates before the Eid prayer.

Narrated by Al-Bukhari on the authority of Anas bin Malik, who said: “The Messenger of God, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, would not go out on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten dates…” and he would eat an odd number of them.” [Al-Bukhari, 953.]

Muslims are ordered to eat food before going out for Eid prayer as a sign of the end of fasting because it is forbidden to fast on the first day of Eid al-Fitr. It doesn’t have to be dates, you can eat anything you want.

However, be careful, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are not the same thing. On Eid al-Adha, do not eat anything from dawn until you return from Eid prayer

Takbir Eid al-Fitr

Continue reading about what is most important holiday in Egypt. One of the coolest things when it comes to celebrating Eid al-Fitr in Egypt is the Eid takbir. Once it is announced that tomorrow is the first day of Eid, you will hear the takbir after the evening call to prayer.

God says in the Holy Quran: “(He wants you) to complete the same number (of days), and to glorify God [i.e. to glorify God (Allah Akbar: God is great)] for what He has guided you, so that you may thank Him. [Al-Baqarah 2: 185]

‘Abdul Rahman Al-Sulami said: “They were more strict about it on the Day of Fitr than on the Day of Al-Adha.” Waki` said: It is takbeer. (Urwat al-Ghaleel 3/122)

Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated with an authentic chain of transmission on the authority of Al-Zuhri, who said: People used to say “Allahu Akbar” on Eid when they left their homes until they came to the prayer place, and until the imam came out. When the imam came out, they remained silent, and when he said “Allahu Akbar,” they said “Allahu Akbar.” (Urwat al-Ghaleel 1/121)

Al-Walid bin Muslim said: I asked Al-Awza’I and Malik bin Anas about the takbeer on the two Eids? They said: Yes, Abdullah bin Omar used to recite it out loud on the day of Fitr until the imam came out.

Al-Daraqutni and others narrated: “Ibn Umar used to strive to say “Allahu Akbar” until he came to the prayer place, and he would say “Allahu Akbar” until the imam came.” Went out.”

The above-mentioned hadiths show the importance of saying the Eid takbirat. In the past, Muslims used to say “Allahu Akbar” when they left their homes until they reached the prayer place and until the imam came out to lead them.

Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri, may God have mercy on him, used to say “Allahu Akbar” from the time they left their homes until the imam entered.

Congratulations to each other.

Eid al-Fitr in Egypt is different. In Egypt, people say Eid Mubarak to each other and exchange wishes regardless of religion. Some people congratulate each other by saying: May God accept it from us and from you, and some say: Eid Mubarak, and it is okay to say whatever you want.

On the authority of Jubair bin Nafeer, he said: When the Companions of the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, met on the day of Eid, they would say to each other: May God accept it from us, from us, and from him. From you.” Ibn Hajar said: Its chain of transmission is good. (Al-Fath 2/446).

Wear new clothes ( One of what is the most important holiday in Egypt Eid Al fitr)

Eid al-Fitr in Egypt is celebrated by wearing new clothes. It does not have to be new, but you must wear the best clothes you have.

On the authority of Jaber, may God be pleased with him, he said: “The Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, had a cloak that he wore on the two Eids and on Friday.” (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah 1756)

Al-Bayhaqi narrated with an authentic chain of transmission that Ibn Umar used to wear his best clothes during Eid

Going to Eid prayer and returning via different routes.

On the authority of Jabir bin Abdullah, may God be pleased with him, he said: “When the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, came on the day of Eid, he would turn his back on the road.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari (986)

What is the takbir of the Eid al-Fitr?  (One of what is the most important holiday in Egypt)

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It was stated in the book of Ibn Abi Shaybah with an authentic chain of transmission on the authority of Ibn Masoud, may God be pleased with him, that he used to say “Allahu Akbar” during the days of al-Tashreeq:

“Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa la ilaha ill-Allah, wa Allahu akbar, Allah akbar, wa Lillah il-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is most Great, there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most great, Allah is most great, and to Allah be praise).”

Al-Mahamli narrated with an authentic chain of transmission also on the authority of Ibn Masoud:“Allahu akbaru kabira, Allahu akbaru kabira, Allahu akbar wa ajallu, Allahu akbar wa Lillah il-hamd (Allah is Most Great indeed, Allah is Most Great indeed, Allah is most Great and Glorified, Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise).” (See al-Irwa, 3/126)

Eid El-Fitr

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The first day of Eid is primarily about family. Children receive gifts, usually new clothes and a cash gift known as Eidiya. 

Family members travel from far and wide to be together, and women can also be given thoughtful gifts to mark the occasion by their loved ones. Lunch is the main meal for families on this day, and usually consists of finely seasoned rice, fish, meat, and salad dishes.

Eid falls on the first day of the new moon and is an open, official occasion in Egypt.

All schools, government workplaces and colleges are closed during this period . 

If you are arranging to visit Cairo during Eid al-Fitr, remember that some cafes and shops may also be closed, although all tourist destinations should be open. This is also a great time to plan several days of shopping since Cairo’s main commercial districts make the most of the least crowded days of the year while residents invest their energy at home with their families.

Conclusion: The Most Important Holiday in Egypt

Sinai Liberation Day, celebrated on April 25, is one of the most significant national holidays in Egypt. It commemorates the country’s regaining control over the Sinai Peninsula following the signing of the peace treaty with Israel in 1982.

This day holds immense national pride, as it symbolizes Egypt’s sovereignty and the sacrifice made for the liberation of its land. Alongside other key public holidays in Egypt, such as the Islamic New Year, the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, and Sham El-Nessim (a spring festival), Sinai Liberation Day is celebrated by the entire population.

Egypt also marks its July 23 Revolution, which led to the end of monarchy and the rise of modern Egyptian governance.

While Sinai Liberation Day is not a religious festival, it aligns with the spirit of unity found in celebrations like Eid al-Adha, where Muslims commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.

Celebrations of Egypt’s rich cultural heritage are reflected in events near historical landmarks such as Abu Simbel, linking both modern and ancient Egyptian identity.

One of the most important holidays in Egypt is Sinai Liberation Day, celebrated on April 25 each year.

This day commemorates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Sinai Peninsula in 1982, marking Egypt’s regained sovereignty over the territory after the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 and the subsequent wars.

Revolution Day, celebrated on January 25, also holds significant importance as it marks the beginning of the 2011 uprising that led to major political changes in the country.

These events are often accompanied by various festivals in Egypt, featuring parades, cultural performances, and patriotic displays that honor the sacrifices made for national independence and unity. The celebrations reflect the resilience and pride of the Egyptian people, serving as a reminder of their rich history and the ongoing journey toward democracy and social justice.

FAQs

 What is considered the most important holiday in Egypt?

Eid al-Fitr is widely considered the most important holiday in Egypt, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

 When is the most important holiday in Egypt celebrated?

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, which follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so the date changes each year.

How do Egyptians traditionally celebrate their most important holiday?

Egyptians celebrate by gathering with family and friends, offering prayers, giving charity (Zakat al-Fitr), sharing festive meals, and exchanging gifts.