The Holy Month of Ramadan
Al-Ahram, Egypt, March 14
The Egyptians traditionally view the month of Ramadan as a time of generosity. When one Egyptian greets another with Ramadan kareem, it is a reminder of the generosity of God. The intention behind these greetings is to evoke feelings of empathy and kindness towards those less fortunate, encouraging the sharing of material and moral benevolence. However, in today’s fast-paced world, we are often confronted with uncomfortable truths. It doesn’t take long into the holy month of Ramadan before statistics reveal the stark increase in consumption of food, drinks, electricity, and energy. While Egyptians may have had to endure power outages in previous months, the holy month grants them an exception as consumption soars. Families face immense pressure to indulge in copious amounts of sweets, which have evolved over the years to become more elaborate and creative. Traditional homemade sweets like knafeh and qatayef have seen a revolution in recent years, with the incorporation of fruits, cream, and even international influences like chocolate. The increased consumption of these treats accompanies a period of rest and reflection, as individuals fast from dawn to dusk while managing their daily responsibilities. However, the reality of the holy month often veers off course from its intended purpose. Afternoon naps and lethargy in government offices drain energy levels, while late nights are spent watching soap operas, attending social gatherings, and feasting between Iftar and Suhoor. The paradox between the image of piety and the reality of excess is a recurring theme during Ramadan. While similar behaviors may be observed in other countries during festive seasons like Christmas, the level of indulgence during Ramadan seems to surpass all others. Despite the well-intentioned preaching and guidance offered during this sacred month, the true essence of fasting and self-restraint may sometimes get lost in the festivities and distractions. —Abdel Moneim Saeed (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
