Egyptian hip hop is distinct from other hip-hop genres around the world, as it tends to use traditional instruments such as the Oud and the Egyptian flute to add a Middle Eastern to music. The Islamic religion has also had an effect on hip hop in Egypt. The Qur'an is a book consisting of laws and rules Muslims must follow. Since Egypt is a predominantly Islamic society and the government follows certain Islamic laws, the society expects a limit on certain things such as showing off one's wealth, the objectification of women. The Quran forbids looking at women as sex objects. The following verse is about maintaining men and women chastity through both clothing and conduct, "Tell the believing men that they shall subdue their eyes (and not stare at the women), and to maintain their chastity. This is purer for them. God is fully Cognizant of everything they do. And tell the believing women to subdue their eyes, and maintain their chastity. They shall not reveal any parts of their bodies, except that which is necessary"(24:30-31). There are also many Christian Coptics in Egypt and they too have very close morals and values as the Islamic faith, especially in the villages such as Upper Egypt where patriarchal gender relations are also an issue.
An Islamic verse states, "God advocates justice, charity, and regarding the relatives. And he forbids evil vice, and transgression. He enlightens you, that you may take heed."[1] This verse tells Muslims that good and evil are not equals and to always perform good actions towards others. Muslims can interpret this "evil" as the objectification of women, showing off the "bling", doing inappropriate things,[clarification needed] or anything else involved with consumerism and capitalism.[2]
^Cooke, Miriam and Laurence, Bruce, “Muslim Networks: From Hajj to Hip Hop.” The Islamic Salon, SamiaSergeldon 155-170, University of North Carolina Press, 2005
