When the song “Ramadan gana” is widely played on television and radio, people learn that the following day is going to be the beginning of Ramadan. This 83-year-old song which the majority of Muslim Egyptians eagerly wait to hear is probably more important than the Ramadan Announcement by Mufti.
Only during Ramadan, you can notice lanterns and decorations hanging over streets and house balconies, Ramadan songs playing in stores and elsewhere, Taraweeh prayers filling the night through loudspeakers, shops that open exclusively during Ramadan to sell konafa, qatayef and other desserts, the warmheartedness that engulfs everything.
These distinctive features can uniquely be felt and lived during the special month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is about gathering and togetherness. It’s a way to feel those people who cannot afford having more than one meal per day. Nowadays, millions have to endure hunger around the globe. According to the WHO, one out of 11 have too little food. In Africa, one out of five face hunger, with Sudan facing the world’s worst hunger crisis.
The idea of not drinking during fasting might not appeal to many people especially since Ramadan follows the lunar calendar. Consequently, its beginning changes each year. A few years ago, it coincided with summer months. I have no clue how I survived fasting Ramadan during the scorching August. I think what helped and still helps me make it through is that fasting Ramadan is a spiritual journey that I await every year. It’s also a kind of detox month for me as I cut off my daily caffeine dose by stopping drinking coffee and tea for the whole month.
On the other hand, I prepare a variety of desserts throughout the month and my excuse is that I only have these desserts once a year.
Generally speaking, Ramadan brings a lot of joy and magic. Nevertheless, some bad habits spoil it. Some people turn it into a time for overeating, food waste, late-night noise, and all done in the name of Allah. Others try to intimidate those who don’t practice Ramadan, which turns Ramadan into a month that has nothing to do with how it should purely be.
All in all, Ramadan is an opportunity to turn over a new leaf. If you want to quit smoking, start a new diet, take up a new hobby, or just slow down and reflect on last year, Ramadan is the perfect time to do it.
Ramadan Kareem! May Ramadan bring us peace, serenity and unity this year and every year!