Glossary 295
Shura
(SHUR-rah)
the Consultative Council in
the framework of Egyptian
law. The Shura serves only
as an advisory panel to the
People’s Assembly. The Shura
does not pass laws.
Sohour
(so-HOO-ur)
meal taken before dawn
during Ramadan
Sunna
(SOON-nah)
the ‘beaten path’.
The Sunna refers to the
sayings, deeds, and approvals
of the Prophet Muhammad.
Tahrir Square
(tah-REER) square at the centre of Cairo
Ta’miya
(TA-ah-MEE-ya)
also called felafel;
a fried bean cake
Wadi
(WAHD-ee) dry stream bed
Waseet
(wah-SEET)
a mediator sent to a girl’s
parents to determine if
she is single and/or to ask
her parents for her hand
in marriage
SOME USEFUL WORDS
English Arabic-Egyptian
no la’
yes aiwa or naam
absolutely not ’bitta-kiid la’
thank you shukran
welcome ahlan
you’re welcome, not at all,
don’t mention it
afwan
(often shortened to aff)
perhaps yemken
possibly mumken
