Ramadan is an Islamic religious observance. The month of Ramadan changes from year to year as it is based on the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is believed to be the month in which the Prophet Muhammad received the Quranic (Islamic holy book) message from the Angel Gabriel. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. They aren’t allowed to eat or drink anything during this time. The fast is broken at sunset with “Iftar” or the first breakfast of the day. Celebration continues past Iftar. Families and friends celebrate together by going to cafes, the movies, clubs (which are like country clubs), or by staying home watching programs on television created especially for Ramadan and eating to their heart’s desire.
The point of the fast is to help one realize how fortunate they are and to be thankful for what they have. It is supposed to teach modesty, patience, and sacrifice and is a process of purification. The fast is for God and prayers are offered more during this month than usual. Charity is encouraged more during this month, even in the smallest form such as tipping your bowab (doorman) or taxi driver a little extra for their service.
Everything changes during Ramadan. Stores shut early so that the employees are able to go home and prepare Iftar. Schools let out early and business hours change. For instance, instead of working my normal schedule of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., during the month of Ramadan my work schedule is from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with a half hour break from 12-12:30 p.m. for prayer. It’s nice getting out of work so early. I thoroughly enjoy this aspect of Ramadan.
Though Ramadan is a happy and joyous occasion (after the fast of course), filled with lots of good food and festivities, it is also somewhat stressful. My roommates and I moved into our apartment last Monday, during the first day of Ramadan. Shopping for the necessities (i.e. cleaning products, dishes, groceries, etc.) has been an especially long, stressful, and drawn out process because of the modified business hours of grocery stores and local stores. A week later and we are just now settling into the apartment with all the essentials (mind you that this process would normally take a day, perhaps two, during any other month of the year).
Despite our frustrations, experiencing Ramadan in Egypt is an exciting adventure. My coworkers often ask me about the differences between Ramadan in the US and Ramadan in Egypt. My personal opinion is that Ramadan in the US is a much more difficult experience than Ramadan in Egypt. When nearly everyone in Egypt is fasting, there are fewer temptations. However, my Dad has had to endure the fast of Ramadan during some very difficult times. Try fasting during a Thanksgiving feast or when the rest of the family is celebrating Christmas by enjoying Mamaw’s warm, soft, and delicious dumplings. Not so easy …
I haven’t yet fasted during this Ramadan. I don’t usually fast but I did during my last visit to Egypt and hope to do so again this Ramadan. Insha’allah, I will and it will be an experience that I plan to write about. Until then, to those who find it applicable, Ramadan Kareem (generous Ramadan).
Karema Eldahan, a guest columnist for The Daily News, can be reached by e-mail at editor@middlesborodailynews.com.
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