Ramadan is the month during which the Prophet Mohammed received the inspiration of Quran. The holiness of this month comes from the fact that it marked the day when the Holy Spirit - Gabriel – started the transmission of God’s message to Prophet Mohammed, 14 centuries ago.

The month of Ramadan moves ten days earlier each year according to the lunar calendar. It is the basis of Islamic (or Hijri) calendar. With an eleven-day difference from the Gregorian, the exact timing of Ramadan during the year becomes variable, sometimes falling in summer, and sometimes in winter. Astronomical calculations are utilized to detect the birth of the moon, yet the cornerstone remains to be its visualization after sunset. Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days, as most lunar months.

The principal ritual during Ramadan is fasting. This entails abandoning eating, drinking, smoking or sinning - even if minor - throughout the whole day, from dawn to sunset. Though the usual daily practice is natural, Moslems prefer to spend more time praying or reading the Quran, particularly at night. The daily meals become limited to two, the first of which is the "iftar" which is breaking the fasting that takes place immediately with sunset. The timing of the second meal - "sohour" - is variable according to personal preference, but usually delayed as long as possible until just before dawn. In between "iftar" and "sohour", people are allowed to eat liberally.

Muslims celebrate that month with joy and happiness. They prepare for it by hanging up colored decorations in the streets and banners announcing that Ramadan is coming soon. They also hang up what Muslims call "Fanus", i.e. lanterns of different shapes and colors, some of which are lightened simply by candles, while others are electrical. At sunset the roads are usually empty, everyone is hurrying home since all the family has to be ready at the dining table before the canon shot - announcing the break of fasting - at least by 10 minutes, so that they start it as soon as they hear "Al Azan", i.e. call for prayer. A long time ago, it became the habit that the government fires a canon, which voice is so loud it can be heard everywhere. This tradition started during the 16th century, when the canon was fired from the Cairo Citadel over "el-Moqattam" mount, and has continued since then. Though modern technology has replaced this habit, yet it is still practiced and announced daily on the TV.

Most of the people usually look forward to Ramadan, for it is known for special sorts of desserts such as "Kunafa", "Kataief" and "Khushaf"(a cocktail consists mainly of dates apricot, black plums and raisins), as well as a very delicious juice called "Kamar El Din" i.e. apricot juice. They also eat lots of almonds and nuts, which get very pricey during this month. 

TV becomes over loaded with various shows, programs and serials during Ramadan, most of which are Islamic. One of the prominent programs that people used to watch during Ramadan is the quizzes, what Egyptians call "El Fawazir", it is one of Ramadan's features.

Ramadan in its very nature is a month of mercy and good deeds. It has very spiritual aspects since real fasting is not confined to keeping from eating and drinking only, but also to abstain from committing sins that Islam prohibited. So, it's not only a matter of food, it is of actions as well. Hence, Muslims try to be more self-restrained and to get more control on their misbehaviors during Ramadan. They give alms for the needy, praying and reading Quran. They have to read the whole Quran Book at least once during that month. 

 What makes this month different in Egypt? Since a long time ago, Egyptians adopted certain social habits during this month, which are not directly related to religion. Officially, the working hours are diminished to allow more time for prayers. People usually sleep very late, sometimes at dawn, after spending long periods of time in the mosques.

After the first few days, people start to go out after "iftar". So many gatherings between families, friends or colleagues take place for the main meal and few hours after. As so many people prefer to spend their time in the old fashioned atmosphere of cafes, many hotels now encourage this. It became a tradition for all 5-star hotels to build a large tent, furnished in the old Arabian decoration, where people enjoy their time listening to old traditional songs and music, recalling memories of the old classical days. "Sheesha" or water-pipes are smoked for fun, which during that month becomes unlimited.

Sports have their share as well. Most clubs arrange minor tournaments, especially for football. Many people from all ages share, even the elders who compete with their peers. It is not unusual to find so many professional football players among those teams of amateurs. The issue is not to win, but to share. In poor districts where no clubs are available, the youth and children can utilize a side street or alley as a football field. Although not encouraged throughout the year, but during Ramadan, people become very tolerant.

The show remains till late at night, and sometimes till the dawn prayers before people sleep. Some cannot stand that long period, and would sleep early to wake up shortly before dawn. In the old days, the tradition was a man named "mesaharaty" to walk down the streets before dawn with a drum. He used to wake up the people through singing and calling their names. The mesaharaty was not paid a fixed salary, but donations, and though this profession has become extinct nowadays, yet it is still practiced as a tradition.

The majority of people fast during Ramadan. According to Islam, the sick, travelers, elders and children are not supposed to fast. Children start demanding that their parents would allow them to fast at an early age. Usually, they are not allowed before the age of 10, if the fasting hours are short. These are longer in summer, and with the hot weather, fasting sometimes becomes difficult. The sick too find it very difficult to accept the concept that they will not fast. No one would ever wish to miss a single day of that month, although has the right to compensate later. It is not just the religious obligation, but also the atmosphere.

On the last day of Ramadan, observatories again check for the new moon to start the big celebration of the feast”Aid ul Fitr”