The Holy month of Ramadan is a very special month in Egypt. It is the month of Prayer, perseverance, solidarity, and spirituality. If you had the chance to visit Egypt during this month, you would observe many interesting and unique aspects. I am summarizing the most significant aspects of Ramadan in Egypt for you in this article.
So – Let’s go
Ramadan in Egypt
Ramadan is the ninth Arabic month in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. Muslims fast the whole month from the dawn till the sunset. They are not allowed to eat or drink during this time, except for all who has not the power, age, health, suitable circumstances to fast.
Ramadan in Egypt is very challenging especially during Summer. Therefore, fasting fosters solidarity between all social classes. Being hungry and thirsty for a long time allows the Muslim to experience how the needy and hungry people suffer. It also allows Muslims to live in a special spiritual and healthier state by training their bodies to withstand thirst and hunger.
Every year, Ramadan shifts 11 days so it circulates throughout the year. You will notice people reciting Quraan, pray in groups (Jamaa3ah) especially in the long night prayer ‘taraawee7’. This prayer is very unique in Ramadan
Ramadan is coming
As Islamic officials announce the birth of Ramadan’s moon, celebrations take place in every household. Children happily buy their wonderful, colorful lanterns (Fawanees). Ramadan in Egypt is glowing every night with lanterns- and sweets shops.
Grownups start to prepare spiritually for Ramadan, go shopping, and prepare for the annual media avalanche, where tens of special, Ramadan-flavored media shows, series that air daily during the holy month.
Charity during Ramadan
Charity grows in Ramadan as Muslims give money to the needy and prepare special Iftar meals (for eating directly after sunset) or So7oor meals (for eating before dawn). Hosts prepare these meals free of charge in streets, which is called ‘maa2edat al-Ra7maan’ (The table of Allah)
Food specialties in Ramadan
Ramadan is the month of family visits and cozy social activities. If you live with an Egyptian family during Ramadan, you will probably spend half of the month either inviting or being invited by family and friends for iftar and/or so7oor.
There are many traditional sweets and drinks that people eat almost solely in Ramadan. For example, you will find the super-famous sweet ‘Kunafa’, which people eat either after Iftar or at So7oor. The ‘Kunafa’ is from dough, sugar, milk, and corn-starch. There is another important type of sweets called ‘Ataayef’, which is typically a pancake with nuts inside and decorated with a delicious layer of honey syrup.
Drinks like Amar el-din (apricot-juice), tamr-hindi (tamarind) and karkade (Hibiscus) are also very popular during Ramadan.
Ramadan cannon
Ramadan cannon is one of the most interesting traditions and customs of Ramadan. Hundreds of years ago, Cairo residents used to hear the shooting of a cannon situated above the citadel of Salah-El-Deen. The shooting announces the end of the fasting and the start of ‘Iftar’ meal.
Now, there are no more cannon shoots but a cannon cartoon or graphic shoots on TV in this specific time every day.
Ramadan’s end
Toward the end of Ramadan, Muslims start to prepare for el-Eid. That is, the feast celebrating the end of Ramadan. Parents give their children ‘el-3edeyyah’, money to buy toys and sweets. Muslims also go to the ‘Eid prayer’ on the first day of the feast.
Check my video below about Ramadan
Now that you know all these aspects about Ramadan, did you find any of these familiar? Share with me in the comments below. Check my Channel and blog for other interesting and free resources about Arabic and Egypt.
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