However, the letters to the dead were not the only way to communicate with the dead. Alternatively, the dead may also appear in dreams that occur as a result of istikhara – referring to asking Allah for guidance. Additional means of communication is to touch the top of a loved one’s grave and say the Salam greetings, However, Egyptians don’t just try to ‘communicate’ with their dead loved ones through letters. Visiting graves of relatives is also a common practice. It is even really common for most Egyptians to have specific dates that they devote to visiting cemeteries.
Specifically, families gather at the cemetery and start praying or reciting the Quran. They also often bring grave offerings such as fruits, roses and palm tree leaves. Friday visitations are the norm but there are eight additional designated days annually when Egyptians go to the cemetery. These visitations – also called ziyaras – remain common amongst lower classes but have been abandoned by many Egyptians.
