[6] Writing for the BBC, Jon Lusk warned that some fans of N'Dour may not appreciate the departure from his previous upbeat and rhythmic music, but called the album "a breath of fresh air", because "the consistency of tone and mood --generally one of reverent but restrained ecstasy -- is very welcome.

"[9] Robert Christgau wrote that the musical fusion on Egypt is "smarter, lovelier, and more seductive" than N'Dour's previous work, and that the singing is characterized by "sweetness, precision, and delicacy".

Referring to the efforts the album makes to positively represent African Islam during the period after the September 11 attacks, Christgau wrote that "Egypt is more than just beautiful -- it's a persuasive political act".

[2] AllMusic's Thom Jurek called it a "startling" album, saying that:Unlike his previous recordings, the organic and sacred character of this music seems to stand outside of time and space; it wails and warbles, croons and groans.

It is the music of joy and reverence and, as it bridges the various aspects of Islamic cultural traditions, one hopes it can create, via the sheer beauty of its sound and the translation of its lyrics, a portrait of a world that is far different from the one portrayed by Western media constructs.

[10] This negative reaction impacted N'Dour personally, who was shunned during a religious pilgrimage to the holy city of Touba, and was threatened with a lawsuit by members of the Mouride brotherhood.