CAIRO: Cairo is home to more than 400 Islamic landmarks that represent a rich diversity of heritage and architectural styles, and the already spiritual atmosphere in the Egyptian capital receives a boost during Ramadan.
During the first week of the holy month, Arab News visited some of the city’s most historic mosques, including Al-Azhar, Sultan Hassan, and Amr ibn Al-As.
Al-Azhar Mosque hosts iftar, the evening meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan, at which it welcomes students from more than 100 countries as well as faculty members from Al-Azhar University. Thousands sit in organized circles throughout the mosque as they enjoy their meals.
“This is the third year I have attended this iftar since joining Al-Azhar University to study at the Faculty of Usul Al-Din (Islamic Theology),” Mazen, a student from Java in Indonesia, told Arab News. “I have experienced an exceptional atmosphere in Egypt during Ramadan.”
Gamal Abdel Rahim, a professor of Islamic antiquities, told Arab News that iftar tables first appeared in Egyptian mosques during the era of Ahmad ibn Tulun, founder of the Tulunid dynasty (835 to 884 A.D.). They became more widespread during the Mamluk and Fatimid periods at places of worship such as Amr ibn Al-As Mosque, one of the oldest in the country. The tradition continues.
“Ramadan preparations in Egypt’s historic mosques usually begin in the months of Rajab and Shaban, during which the mosque carpets are replaced,” Abdel Rahim said. “In olden times, mishkat (lamps) were filled with fresh olive oil during Ramadan.”
In the days of the Tulunid dynasty, he added, Ahmad ibn Tulun regulated working hours during Ramadan so that mosque workers could return home to their families after Asr prayer.
One of the most distinctive features of the holy month in Egypt is the firing of the Ramadan cannon, he said, a tradition that began in 1454 A.D. during the era of Sultan Khushqadam Al-Ahmadi.
“This ritual continues, linking modern practices to centuries of Islamic heritage,” he added.
At the Sultan Hussein Mosque, where original features of its construction in 1356 A.D. have been preserved, a large number of Muslims perform Taraweeh (late-night) prayers during Ramadan enveloped in a deeply spiritual and serene atmosphere that reflects the historical and religious significance of the mosque.
The mosque is also distinguished by its school, which is dedicated to teaching the four main schools of Sunni jurisprudence (Madhab). It features uniquely designed lamps that reflect the exquisite craftsmanship of its era and add to a spiritual ambiance that has attracted worshippers and scholars for centuries.
At Amr ibn Al-As Mosque, worshippers who gather for Isha and Taraweeh prayers are immersed in an atmosphere of devotion. The mosque is particularly notable for the magnificent dome at the center of its courtyard, which is a hallmark of its historic and architectural significance.
In areas around Egypt’s historic mosques, traditional lanterns and Ramadan decorations adorn the streets as Egyptians gather in these historic districts at night during the holy month to celebrate and socialize into the early hours, creating a lively and festive atmosphere that blends tradition and spirituality with communal joy.
