At a particular moment of the year, millions of Egyptians could be seen gathered around the TVs waiting for a very important announcement. Their hearts are full of excitement; their eyes are bright and about to shed tears of joy. What announcement are they waiting for? And what is the event?
It is the announcement of the beginning of the month of Ramadan; the Muslims' month of fasting. Once the "Mufti," (the highest religious authority in Egypt after the Great Imam of Azhar) announces the birth of Ramadan's moon (the Arabic calendar is a lunar one), you see the wide smiles and hear the warm greetings and prayers for a blissful and happy Ramadan; children run on the streets with shouts of joy, and immediately you find the Mosques filled up with worshippers, who are excited and so enthusiastic to start the famous Ramadan's prayer; the "Taraweeh."
It is astonishing how people feel so happy though they know that they will spend one full month abstaining from food and drink from a time that shortly precedes the sun rise (the dawn) until the sunset. Fasting in Islam requires that a Muslim shouldn't eat, drink, smoke or engage in any sexually related activity during the specified time. Equally, a fasting Muslim should keep away his/her eyes, tongue and hands from any kind of harassment or bad acts like back biting etc. or else his/her fasting will be considered incomplete. We have to note that children (until a certain age), travelers, the sick, and the women in their monthly cycle have permission for not fasting.
Ramadan in Egypt is so special with many activities that show the true nature of Egyptians. In essence they are religious, love charity and social gatherings.
In Ramadan, the first thing that one would notice in the Egyptian streets, is the Ramadan's lantern, locally called "Fanous," decorating the streets or hanging by the windows or balconies. The so called "Fanous" dates back to a few centuries ago, and it was used primarily to light the streets for people who walk at night to the mosques to perform the prayers. Now, it is used by children as a toy that is coupled with this wonderful occasion (as over the years it has evolved to different sizes, shapes, colors and even with musical backgrounds).
The breakfast time is the moment when many friends, relatives and neighbors meet and eat together. At the breakfast time, one would be amazed at how the highly congested Cairo streets become so calm and almost empty. You find many people who are being served breakfast on the street; this is a famous form of charity in Ramadan, that distinguishes this beautiful country in the Islamic world.
Another beautiful thing during Ramadan in Egypt is that it shows how Egyptians, regardless religion, are so kind and loving. It is a common thing to find many Muslims and Christians gathered together at the breakfast time. It is worth mentioning here that the great Egyptian, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III has been organizing breakfast in Ramadan for the past twenty years (my prayers to Allah for his speed recovery and safe return to the country).
There have been though some forms of cultural activities that vanished or have been disappearing over time. For example, the "Mesaharati," or the man who wakes up people for the special dinner in Ramadan, which is called "Sahoor." Muslims have to eat late dinner, at the early hours of the morning, so as to cope with their daily work and fasting. Before the advent of TVs and satellite channels, the "Mesaharati" represented the "alarm clock" that wakes up people. That alarm clock was unique and special. That man used to carry a small type of drum and starts singing different folkloric and patriotic songs, and calls the people at the area, by their names, telling them to wake up! The "Mesaharati" can still be found on the Egyptian streets, but more as a performer who wants to get attention or seek charity!
I pray to God, at this great time of Ramadan, for human race to be united, regardless color, religion or beliefs, for compassion to replace revulsion, for amnesty and pity to replace vengeance, for prosperity and contentment to replace starvation and poverty, and for peace and love to replace hostilities and greed.
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Ramadam Kareem is being jovially sprung from my lips to Somali passer-by's in my city.
They appreciate the gesture. Seeing kids start school and prepare for Ramadan is a nice blend. School doesn't start for another month in Egypt, at least for my daughter's school.
I prepared a huge feast before the first day of fast for my ex and he loved the grub, garlic mashed potatoes is one of my successes.
This is when I miss ESL tutoring. The student's would break fast during class and I normally would recieving a filling meal and actual attention to the class's lesson.
Posts: 313 | From: Between yuppies and chronics | Registered: Aug 2008
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