11-11-2004, 09:35 PM
Bismillah
As salam alykom
What is really most important about Ramadan in Egypt, I think most Muslim countries share this characteristic if not the Muslim communities living in the West, is the Raman Table. In other words, dining table of Ar Rahman (The Merciful). Almost in each district people go into collective efforts, contribute with charity money, prepare ahead of Ramadan, set tables as much as each group of people can. As the month starts, they cook food in a close location to the tables, serve Iftar for whoever is passing by. Originally of course they target poor people in each area. But for example the traffic man who is taking a shift and can not go home, a taxi driver who couldn’t make it home before Iftar, or even a passing by who couldn’t make it home. Mash a Allah when u see those people who don’t know each other sharing the same table. But of course one who uses the table must realize that he/.she is using charity money. But the scene is so touching, it expresses real brotherhood of Islam, all what gathers them is Islam and time for Iftar. This really touches me much. O after I wrote this post, I went out and watched more on this activity thought to update. Even store owners like for example car agencies, they set a number of tables in front of the shop area and serve whoever wants to join. In some areas people even used spaces under fly overs or bridges to set the tables. Egyptians are really innovative, aren’t they?
While masjeds of course operate after Esha for salatu taraweeh. It really moves me much to listen to the masejds performing the salat on the first night of Ramadan as soon as they announce its advent.
Alhamdulelah, such efforts really makes a balance in the Egyptian society that has been much affected with the Western concepts. Young people are divided into either running such efforts, dedicating their cars and free time to room the streets colleting either financial or in kind donations, setting the necessary facilities for this achievement on time, making sure to access the target groups thru social researches. It really makes one happy to see this category of young people. On the other hand of course we are not in Jannah, Another group of youngsters are so busy with TV programs which astaghferllah are intensified during this month Sobhan Allah. Or they go seek entertainment in specially set up tents either at 5 star hotels, restaurants or even the opera house. Unfortunately some forget the real purpose of Ramadan. They get confused why they should stay up at night thinking they may indulge in such activities.
But Alhamdulelah as the Messenger SAW said good shall remain in my Ummah till the Day After.
Just felt to share all these thoughts with my brothers and sisters.
I know I still have to tell u how it was during Umrah