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.

Taraweeah Prayers during Ramadan

The Taraweeah prayers are held nightly during Ramadan, during which time the congregation attempts to read the Quran in its entirety by the end of the holy month.
Taraweeah prayers often run very long. You stand, in the usual prayer format, row by row, shoulder to shoulder, praying side by side and speaking to God in unison. You feel not only great strength and warmness of community, but also the prayer itself has a strongly meditative effect, after long hours of prayer your mind becomes focused, rhythmic, awakened and in touch with the unity and presence of your human neighbors beside you, the earth below, and the heavens above.

Waking up (or staying up) to pray the Fajr prayer

There is something so beautiful about the time of early morning of the Fajr prayer, which is right before the sun begins to softly reveal itself to the world in white radiance melting over the horizon. This early hour is so calm, and the adhan resonates particularly softly through the gentle air.




Outside of Ramadan it is mostly a very quiet time, you have this satisfactory feeling of experiencing the world when everyone else is still nestled in slumber, being alone with your thoughts or with God. Indeed, it is said that the morning angels gather to listen intently to the prayers offered during this time. And truly, it is a great time for reading, learning, and planning one's day.

During Ramadan in Egypt, you will find a lot of activity at this time still, either from people still finding their way home from sohour (the meal eaten before beginning the fast) or from those walking to pray together in the mosques. The night takes on a special feeling of activity and vitality, something mysterious and magical afoot when people are moving about in the wee hours of the morning.

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Rockin' dinner tables

In Egypt, there seems to be a trend among restaurants to have on the outdoor patios large wooden rocking chairs for the whole family to eat dinner on. A fun way to keep kids interested in sitting down at the dinner table. Nice romantic dinner or drinks for a new couple. Just fabulous way of making great use of Egypt's year-round wonderful outdoor weather.

Qatayef

Qatayef (pronouned in Egypt like aht-ei-f) is a crescent-shaped dessert specialty eaten during Ramadan. A yummy fried batter stuffed with cheese or a mixture of nuts, then coated in honey-syrup. It is a delicious treat to feast on after breaking one's fast. There are other more savory versions also, not coated with sugar, stuffed with white cheese mixtures or minced meat (something like a thick perogie, minus the potatoes and sour cream).

Qatayef, just waiting to be eaten, yum!

The nut mixture that is stuffed into the Qatayef

Art tables for kids

A nice feature at a lot of cafe and restaurant areas are art tables set up for your kids to do nice activities and paint pictures they can take home with them (sometimes on stickers, sometimes on large posters, sometimes on clay sculptures, etc etc) with bright colors and sparkles.

This table is set up during Ramadan in the cafe area in Al Rehab
The company running it is called Artoon and is based in Heliopolis.
where they provide art classes and music lessons.

Tangled

Birthday, fish and Jasmine

The best things in life are free

Today I went shopping, and I went to a fruit and vegetable stand and wanted to pay for a handful of cilantro. The guy kindly laughed and told me I could take it for free (I guess 2 big batches of herbs is sold for about a quarter of a pound). Anyhow, Egypt has overall been a country that has taught me how the best things in life are for free. Not just the thrill of getting a freebee, but somehow a deeper lesson in simplicity that separates monetary value from value.
Despite poverty, despite hardships, the Egyptians laugh and love with such big hearts and compassion, proving that even amongst the poorest people, the greatest light can shine -- with a vitality that can spice up life and color it with fabulous flavors.



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