Abu Dhabi: In Egypt, the ‘fanous’ (lanterns) of Ramadan are one of the most captivating of the Ramadan traditions. It is said that Egyptians welcomed the arrival of Caliph Moezz Al Deen Allah to Cairo in 969 AD by lighting hundreds of lanterns. Since that time, the ‘Fanous’ has been a staple of the many traditions that characterise the month.
“Though I am 23 years old, I still buy myself a new ‘Fanous’ each year,” Sara Abdel Shafy told Gulf News.
Shafy came to the UAE in 2012, and is currently interning at an media services agency. Her observations of Ramadan in the UAE reminds her of back home. “They are lit up just like the streets of Cairo, and I love it. [But] everything is more organised and charming in Dubai. This emphasises the uniqueness of Ramadan,” Shafy added.
She also likes the numerous Ramadan tents that dot the UAE’s landscape, offering food and drinks to those who need it.
“Ramadan is the time of the year when I can get closer to God. I pray and read the Quran more. I also get to learn during this month how to discipline myself for the sake of Allah,” she said.
“We are constantly aware that even in such routine activities as eating and drinking, we must remain under Allah’s command. We change our habits and our daily routines because we learn that we are not the servants and slaves to our habits, but always the servants of Allah,” Shafy explained.
She also said that one should remember that Ramadan is a gift from Allah.
“It is a chance to take a step back and shed ourself from worldly routines. That said, my other favourite part of the month are the family gatherings and the traditional desserts of Ramadan,” Shafy said.
Omnia Fahim is a trainee at Gulf News
Sara Abdel Shafy
From: Egypt,
23
Intern at Hug Digital
