■Egyptian Society and Culture
◆ Islam
The majority of Egyptians believe in Islam, which governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives. Islam originated from what is today Saudi Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad is viewed as the last of God’s envoys (following in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, etc) to bring revelation to mankind. He was outstanding because of bringing a message for all human beings, rather than just to a certain peoples. As Moses brought the Bible to the Torah and Jesus, Muhammad brought the last book, the Quran. The Quran and the actions of the Prophet (the Sunnah) are used as the basis for all directions in the religion.
Among certain duties for Muslims are to pray five times a day—at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is published in the local newspaper each day. The Muslim holy day is Friday. Everything is closed. Many companies also close on Thursday, making Thursday and Friday be the weekend.
During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only allowed to work six hours per day. Fasting contains no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. It is not necessary for expatriates to fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public.
Every night at sunset, families and friends get together to celebrate the breaking of the fast. The celebrations often continue deep into the night. Generally things develop more slowly during Ramadan. Many businesses carry out its work on a reduced schedule. Shops may be open and closed at unusual times.
◆ Family Values
◇The family is the most important unit of Egyptian society.
◇Kinship plays a big part in all social relations.
◇The individual is always subject to the family, tribe or group.
◇Nepotism is viewed positively, since it provides support for one’s family.
◇The family compromises both the nuclear and the extended family.