Muslims in the holy month of Ramadan, abstain from eating and drinking from early dawn to sunset while replenishing spiritually. However, the month entails many other acts of worship, such as giving charity to the ones in need. Charity is a service that keeps one balanced in life while building a sense of responsibility for the community. Islam teaches that a smile is also an act of charity, which allows everyone to contribute towards giving.
Muslims all over the world are generous during the month of Ramadan. In Egypt, however, people make charity very personal. People collect the most popular items in Egyptian cuisine and give them to the closest needy person.
“You will not believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.”
Hadith
Ramadan Bag
Ramadan Bag consists of the essentials pantry items such as rice, pasta, sugar, flour, lentils, and much more and giving out to family members, neighbors, and people that perform daily labor services such as the trash collector, bus driver, housekeeper, doorman, and others.
Feeding People
Feeding others is a very honorable gesture. Muslims believe that when you feed a fasting person, it’s as though you have fasted yourself, therefore receiving the equal deed as the fasting one. Most people either invite family and friends over to break the fast together or prepare meals to feed the needy and labor workers.
Service
Although you can give charity to charitable organizations, providing meals for iftar in mosques is another method that Egyptian engage in during the month of Ramadan.
The most popular method of charity, however, is very personal and Egyptians prefer to know exactly to whom the charity is benefiting rather than giving to organizations where the benefit of the charity is obscure.
“The believers are like one body in their mutual love and affection: if one limb is injured, the rest responds with sleeplessness and fever.”
Hadith
Summary
Another aspect that I found interesting in Egypt is that everyone is so excited to give whatever they can towards charity. There is an assurance that whatever effort is exhorted towards giving out, God will reward and give tenfold. People also never forget the acts of kindness done towards them. It is not unusual to hear supplications for good rewards in the name of the one who gives.
Ramadan is a month when people in general try to practice good characteristics. Today, I met a Christian Egyptian who told me that she loved Ramadan because people are simply happy. She said it all, people who hear about the sacrifice of fasting without food and water usually cannot fathom the happiness and joy that Muslims have for Ramadan.
Books during Ramadan
Ignite your Ramadan with these readings and journals.
Andrea Blossom 
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