Today is the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, which is celebrated by Muslims worldwide, but in Egypt is celebrated by both Muslims and Christians.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad according to Islamic belief. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths.
It s clearly an Islamic religious occasion, but in Egypt it became more of a celebration for Muslims and Christians. Several TV series is presented in Egypt making an annual race or festival. People are keener on making good in this holy month and abstain from evil. Ramadan also teaches Muslims how to better practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat).
Therefore, many Copts celebrated the holy month of Ramadan and loved it. Yet, some fanatics are used to destroy all good things we have in Egypt including tolerance and good relations between Muslims and Christians. Thus, many Egyptian women are harassed during this month for not wearing veils and many Christians are despised and even attacked for eating in public during the daytime when the Muslims are fasting period.
Ramadan is indeed an occasion of worship and family reunion. Let s celebrate it Muslims and Christians and remember the saying of the late Pope Shenouda III who said that religion is for God, but the homeland is for all.
