Muslims will start fasting the holy month of Ramadan tomorrow. This 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.
However, in Egypt Muslims and Christians share the celebration of this month and consider it more cultural tradition than a religious one. Copts enjoy this month and share such festival including the charitable giving and many times fasting during the day, most of the Copts only drink water and abstain from food during the day.
Most of the time, Ramadan coincides with the Fast of the Holy Apostles according to the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar. This means that Copts have to abstain from food during the day, and then eat only vegetarian food when they break their fast. This made some Copts tell a joke saying: We fast with both Muslims and Christians yet will go to hell as fanatics keep telling us!
Copts and Muslims should realize that they worship God even though they have different ways. Having such faith in God should be a reason for spreading love and tolerance, not hatred and division. Happy return of Ramadan my dear friends.
