Fasting

Egyptians, when you combine Muslims and Christians together, probably have the world record for most days of fasting per year. According to the Encyclopedia Coptica, Coptic Christians alone fast 210 days a year. Wow. Talk about self-discipline.

Around 60 of those days Copts live on a vegan diet, and for the rest they may eat fish but refrain from other meat or animal products and similar to Muslims also refrain from eating food from sunrise to sunset (see Marie Henein's great article for some excellent recipes and info on veganism in the Coptic Church). The Coptic Church sees fasting and asceticism in a positive spiritual light, as an emulation of the life of Jesus (Matt. 4:2), and also of Moses and Elijah (Exod. 40:28; 1 Kings 19:8), and a sublimation to the glory of God and an expression of love.

As with the Coptic Christians, Muslims in Egypt view fasting in a highly positive sense. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The time of fasting is not just about abstaining, but also about doing good deeds, increasing compassion and mercy for the suffering of others, developing self-control, and love of others and of God. "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)."  [Soorah al-Baqarah (2):183] Muslims also fast outside of Ramadan as well, though it is not required of them unless they are making up for days lost during Ramadan (as in the case of travel for example, wherein they are exempt). Read this nice article on: "The fasting of Ramadan: A time for Thought, Action and Change!"

Arabian coffee

Yesterday, I tasted "arabic" coffee for the first time, and I start to understand why the Egyptian version of Turkish coffee is so flavorful - because it seems to be a blend of the two of them. Traditional arabic coffee seems to be made entirely from cardamom (hebaham). It is served with sweet delights (nuts covered in dates and then covered again in either sesame or caraway seeds). Combined, the coffee leaves this smooth and mesmerizingly warm all over feeling - refreshing especially after a day of fasting.

Ramadan Fasting and Fun

Ramadan is a time for deep inward reflection self-control as well as self-improvement. Yet, it is equally a time for enjoyment of family and friends and for saying a strong "thank you!" for all the gifts we've been blessed with (for believing Muslims, principally the Quran, but also the food we so often take for granted, our loving family, and the neighbors who make our lives wonderful and all such gifts).

Islam teaches that the golden mean should govern our lives.

The Golden Mean in nature

 We are not to lead our lives in total asceticism nor in total hedonism, but to strike a balanced life that includes joy and pleasure set within limits of our good habits, bringing respect to the lives of ourselves and others. There is a saying that captures this balance nicely,

"Work for this life as though you are going to live forever. Work for the Next life as though you will die tommorrow." (Ali Ibn Talib 600 - 661)

During Ramadan, Muslims fast during from sunrise to sunset, which includes abstaining from food, drink, sex, cigarettes, bubble gum, etc. Each evening however, once the fast is broken those things which were forbidden are allowed, and it is a time to treasure and enjoy being with one's close family and friends, as well as dedicating time to prayer and learning.

Dates

Dates are eaten all year in Egypt, however during Ramadan they take on special significance as they are used to break one's fast. Muslims believe that dates have special health benefits, this stems from the Quran. In one of the "Chapters" (Suras) of the Quran called Maryam (the Virgin Mary), there is a description of Mary experiencing the pangs of giving birth to Jesus. A voice calls out to her, "Do not grieve! Your Lord has placed a small stream at your feet. Shake the trunk of the palm towards you and fresh, ripe dates will drop down onto you. Eat and drink and delight your eyes…" (Qur'an, 19:23-26)

The health benefits of eating dates while pregnant have been proposed in other places as well, however the benefits of eating dates extend beyond pregnant women, reputed as a good way to lose weight, a laxative, good for the nervous system and fighting melancholy and stress, good for lowering cholesterol, a great source of dietary fibers and antioxidants, rich in iron, potassium and minerals like calcium, copper and magnesium, chock full of vitamins, and fabulously delicious to boot. (They make for really healthy ingredients in cookies and desserts, avoiding excessive use of sugars in cooking)

First Day of Ramadan!

The first day of Ramadan is a really joyous occasion, as families begin on a month-long spiritual and family-oriented period of alternating fasting and feasting. Ramadan is the month in which Muslims believe that the revelation of the Quran was completed. During this month, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. The month is meant to teach self-control, moderation, discipline, self-awareness, as well as awareness of others (such as those suffering from hunger on a daily basis) and is not only about abstinence but also about doing good works and especially charity.

In Egypt, the country transforms for this entire month into a different place (highly recommended time to come visit!). After sunset ("Magreb" in Arabic), families and friends gather and break their fasts together in celebration and prayer. (You can compare the meals in Egypt to an entire month of Christmas dinners - with a 3 day holiday of eating sweets tacked on at the end).

The following posts in the coming days will give a small glimpse into Egypt during this special and fabulous period.