Ramadan fever in Egypt

The streets have gone through a noticeable change since I came here two weeks ago. Now, as I look outside the balcony, I see the makeshift soup kitchens ready to serve the fasting masses that cannot afford to do so themselves. I hear the recitation of the noble Quran being played through amplifiers from the insides of mosque to the insides of garages. Recitors of different names all succeed in adding to the distinct atmosphere just before the start of Ramadan here in Egypt.


The television stations are wishing their viewers a blessed month as they attempt to advertise the programmes of the coming month, apparently the best shown throughout the year. The Mufti of the famous Azhar mosque even has airtime signalling the beginning of the month. I ask my sister-in-law is this is a special year or is it always like this. She replies by saying that it is during Ramadan that the spirit of Islam really makes a difference to the lives of many Egyptians. Already a welcoming people, their warmth and kindness is only multiplied during these thirty days. This was confirmed by the abundant soup kitchens now filling the streets.



Lights are assembled in every colour in every street as they flash in the spirit of Ramadan. The famous lanterns I was sent once a year back in London now displayed themselves in all their glory. Some of these were as tall as me, in contrast to those that could fit in my palms. Accompanying these was the famous song 'Ramadan is Coming' that I could remember listening to while I was a child, here in Cairo.


Although Ramadan asks the one fasting to abstain from food and drink during the hours of the day, the spirit of these people are not dampened by any means. Quite the opposite, I have noticed. It seems that the month of fasting serves to strengthen and reinforce what the people here hold dear, especially when it comes to interacting with each other.