Ramadan

Ramadan is the 9th month in the lunar calender. This is the holiest of months for Muslims throughout the world. This year, Ramadan began around August 20th. When I arrived in Egypt on August 28th, Ramadan was in full swing. During this month, followers of Islam fast from Sunup to Sundown. That means no food, no water, no smoking. Muslims should also restrain themselves from any other indulgence during this same time. Also, Muslims should try to read the entire Holy Quran during this time. The reasoning behind fasting is because it was a commandment from God. during the last ten days of Ramadan is when God told the first part of the Quran to Mohamed. Also, by fasting the Muslims are able to experience the hunger that impoverished people feel everyday. In Islamic states, such as Egypt, it is impolite to eat or drink in public. So, while my host family did not allow me to fast, I was able to get a taste of the experience while I would be gone all day in the harsh sun of Egypt. To break their fast, Muslims participate in a meal called Iftar. This meal occurs at sundown, and as soon as the call is heard from the local mosque. Then, people usually drink something first such as coffee or soda. Then the eating begins. If I haven't mentioned before, Egyptians eat alot of food. And, most of their food is very heavy. A common meal at Iftar would be a broth like soup with small pastas in it, rice, a vegetable dish, and some sort of meat, either roasted or fried. Also there is always tomato and cucumber salad.Your plate is loaded in on for the first portion, and then my host mother wanted to keep putting more. After this meal, Muslims snack throughout the night having sweets, hot drinks, and fruit. Then around 3 0r 4 in the morning, they have another small meal. This meal consists of sandwitches, which could be egg, cheese, fuul, falafel, or potatoe to name a few. As you can see, alot of muslims stay up all night during this time. Then most of the day is slept through. My host brother for example, stays up all night, and then sleeps until Iftar. It is too hot to go outside, or to do any thing if you can't have water. While Ramadan is a very Holy month, it is also a very festive time. Many people go and visit friends and family to have iftar or to simply enjoy their company. Every night there are festivities throughout the city. I visted my host mother's sister to share iftar, and we have gone on several boat rides on the Nile for the same reason. Ramadan is also a month of giving. People volunteer more, and give money and clothes to the needy. All throughout the city, there are tents set up for people to have Iftar for free. It is quite an amazing an Holy month and I am glad I was able to be here to experience it. After Ramdan, there is a three day holiday called Eid. Since the last day of Ramdan was saturday, Eid began on Sunday. People are happy to be able to eat or drink as they please. People eat these special powdered cookies, and there are many many celebrations. One thing I noticed was how calm the streets seem during the day during Eid. Alot of shops are closed for the holiday, so there were very few people out and about. Yesterday, I went to a celebration for Eid with my Counselor and her family. It was very fun. It was at a club by the Nile. It was very pretty. There were lots and lots of people there. Everyone was sitting and talking and eating. Also all the kids ran around and played on the playground. There were also lots of performers. Some of these pereformers were for the kids, and then there were some tradional Upper Egypt dances done. It was all alot of fun. To finish the day, we went on a boat ride around Zemeleck, which is the island in the nile. Today is the last day of Eid. Eid Saied!