Cairo religion occupies a vital place in the different aspects of the lives of Cairo people. The predominant religion in Cairo is Islam. 80% to 90% of the population are belong to the Sunni branch of Islam. The remaining portion of the Muslim population in Cairo belongs to the Sufi sect of Islam and a minority belongs to the Shia sect.
Christians make up for 10 to 20% of the population. Most of the Christians in Cairo belong to Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. Others are strict adherents of Coptic Evangelical Church and Coptic Catholic Church. A handful of Jews , till today lives in Cairo, and are mainly the followers of Judaism. However, most of the Jews have emigrated to the United States.
Since, Islam is the dominant religion in Cairo, big and small mosques are found all over the city. Mosque of
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Ibn Tulun is one of the bigger mosques in the city.Since Friday is a holy day in Islam, business, schools and offices are closed on this day of the week. Religious holidays are determined by the lunar calendar that is shorter by eleven days than the solar calendar. Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar is a time for celebration in Cairo. The streets are lit up by lights and decorated with colorful banners.
According to the lunar calendar, Christmas is celebrated on January 7 every year in Cairo. For the Christian population in Cairo it is a time for celebration and exchange of gifts. All the Christians gather in the church on the Christmas Eve, with their family friends and relatives to attend the special mass. 'Feast of Virgin' is celebrated on August 15.
Cairo religion pervades varied aspects of the life of the people in Cairo.
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