Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar and the holiest of the four holy months.
It begins with the sighting of the new moon after which all physically mature and healthy Muslims
are obliged to abstain from all food, drink, gum chewing, any kind of tobacco use, and any kind of
sexual contact between dawn and sunset. It is a time for spiritual reflection and prayer; of good
deeds and time spent with family and friends; and the fasting is intended to teach self-discipline,
restraint and generosity.
However, that is merely the physical component of the fast; the spiritual aspects of the fast
include refraining from gossiping, lying, slandering and all traits of bad character. All obscene
and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided. Purity of thought and action is paramount.
Ordained in the Quran, the fast is an exacting act of deeply personal worship in which Muslims seek
a raised level of God-consciousness. The act of fasting redirects the hearts away from worldly
activities and toward the Divine.
It is common to have one meal just before sunrise and another after sunset. Because Ramadan is a
time to spend with friends and family, the fast will often be broken by two or more families coming
together to share the evening meal.
When the first crescent of the new moon has been officially sighted by a reliable source, the month
of Ramadan is declared over, and the month of Shawwal begins. The end of Ramadan is marked by a
three day period known as the "Festival of Fast-breaking." It is a happy time beginning with a special
prayer, and accompanied by celebration, socialising, festive meals and some gift-giving, especially
to children.
When Ramadan ends there is a custom to give in a way designed to feed a poor person in that region for
a day. And also many Muslims pay a yearly alms or tax based on their assets which is also intended to
assist the poor.
Officially during Ramadan monuments and tourist sites are open until 3:00pm - however some of the less
frequented sites may close earlier. Many restaurants remain open to tourists, but they might not serve
alcohol. Almost all hotels and Nile cruise ships that cater to tourists will be completely operational including
their bars, and they will serve alcoholic drinks as usual.
Revised: 8th October 2004
©2004
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