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20 July 2012

Ramadan finally

Today is a day very close to my heart, it's the first day in Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It's the most beautiful month in the whole year, when people get closer to God and each other.
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and worship, Muslims should fast from down to sunset and focus more on prayers and reading al-Qur'an, leaving all irreligious acts. This clears their souls and make them better and closer to God.
At this time of the year, streets are all colorful and full of lights, people become more generous and social. There is that beautiful spirit that spreed every where and remove all the sadness, depression and all negative feelings that might get to anyone.
What is really beautiful is the family gathering everyday at sunset around the table in a fast breaking meal called "Iftar". Muslims first break their fast with three dates with milk "as prophet Mohamed used to do" or juice then pray the sunset prayer "Maghrib", after that the Iftar meal is served. All family members should sit around the table, sometimes friends and other people can join. It's the month of charity and love towards everyone.
What I love in this month too is the decorations that fill the streets everywhere. Here in Egypt, lanterns are lit and hung everywhere as a 800 years tradition and became a symbol of Ramadan. I really love these lanterns and their various shapes and sizes. Lanterns are only used for decorations and have no other purpose.
My favorite month in the whole year. I wish Allah would forgive my sins ans make me a better person. I wish Allah would respond my prayers and accept them. I wish that when this month ends no one would have a difficulty or a trouble. Thank you Allah for all of your gifts, humans are sinners and YOU always forgive us.