EGYPT: CAIRO: MUSLIMS CELEBRATE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN

Описание: (12 Jan 1997) English/Nat

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is associated with fasting - but for many Egyptians, it is a time of feasting.

For Ramadan is a time for charity, and after dusk when fasting ends, those who can afford to - provide food for those who can't.

And this year, more Egyptians than ever before are giving to the poor.

A-P-T-V reports from Cairo where tables of food are set up all over the city for those who cannot afford to eat well.

The call to prayer at Egypt's main mosque in Cairo during Ramadan.

The Holy month is considered to be a time of fasting and prayer - but after dusk it turns into a celebration of eating.

And many Egyptians who normally wouldn't be able to do so are joining in the feast.

During this month of goodwill, the wealthy provide for the poor. The food is bought and cooked by volunteers.

During Ramadan, Egypt's main squares are filled with tables of food - known as the Ma'idet El-Rahman or "the dinning table of the merciful God".

The food is usually comprised of soup, beans, bread and vegetables - a veritable feast for many Egyptians.

SOUNDBITE:
"Ramadan doesn't just mean fasting, it also means ending the fast breaking the fast and that's a spiritual opportunity too: meaning its an opportunity for those who have worldly goods, for those who are rich or comfortable to feed those who are not. So you fast for spiritual reward and you feed those who do not have money for spiritual reward, when it comes time to end the fast. Everyone does it on an individual basis and in this case we have a new phenomenon here, where more and more people are doing it on a massive basis setting up tables in the streets, setting up tables in mosques and feeding the poor and feeding the visitors."
SUPERCAPTION: Abdallah Schleifer, director of Television Centre at the American University

The Muslim profit Mohammed used to break his fast with some dates and milk - but for most Egyptians, it's a time of feasting and merrymaking.

Fewer hours are worked and at night there is much celebration and merry making.

Cairo's cafes are full as family and friends gather from dusk to the early hours of the morning.

The setting of the sun is a relief for Muslim smokers who have to abstain from the traditional water pipes.

Ramadan is also a special time for children, who are presented with these colourful ornate lanterns as gifts.

The lamps are hung in the streets to symbolize the anniversary of the presentation of the Koran to the Profit Mohammed who created the religion Islam.

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