Page 58 - Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht

Islam

Although you could date the founding of Islam to the 5th century, its roots can be traced back
further. Indeed, many believers see Islam’s founder, Muhammad, as a continuation of a line
of prophets that goes back to Moses and Abraham. Like other regions, the Islamic tradition
has both a holy book (the Koran) and a collection of teachings and judgments passed down by
scholars over the years (Sharia and Fiqh).

There are two main branches, the Sunni and the Shia, although all Muslims are expected to
follow the same basic principles, known as the Five Pillars: to testify to God’s greatness, to
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Mecca at least once, and to pray daily.

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sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day. The call to
prayer, called the adhan, is sung or broadcast from minaret towers to remind the faithful that
it’s time to come to the mosque.

Friday is the Muslim holy day, so businesses are usually closed. Many companies also close
on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday. Local businesses may also close for
religious holidays or festivals. (Again, we suggest checking an online holiday calendar for
exact dates.) During Ramadan, many locals will be fasting, limiting the number of restaurants
that are open to the public. Technically, Islam also forbids alcohol at all times of year,
although this rule is not universally followed and usually does not apply to foreign visitors.
However, it may mean that some establishments are “dry” and will not serve it.

Modest Dress

• When visiting a synagogue: Male travelers should cover their head to show respect.
(Usually the synagogue will have yamakas—a type of skullcap—on hand for you to
borrow.) Depending on the synagogue, female travelers may also be asked to cover their
hair, which you can do with a scarf or a hat. Generally speaking, an Orthodox synagogue
will have the strictest dress codes: shorts may not be allowed; skirts should be to the
knee or longer; shoulders should be covered; and necklines should be modest. As in any
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• When visiting a mosque: It is polite to be modestly dressed (no bare shoulders, no skirts
or shorts above the knee). You may be asked to remove your shoes. In some mosques,
female visitors are not required to cover their hair, in others you may be asked to do
so. Typically a mosque that requires special dress for female visitors will have pieces to
lend or rent.

• When visiting a church: Many churches in this region require modest dress, meaning
covered shoulders and skirts or shorts that fall below the knee.

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