Ramadan: Making memories over two generations in two different countries

When the word “Ramadan” is mentioned in front of any Muslim all over the world or in front of anyone who lived in a Muslim country, they immediately recall a lot of memories, emotions, and vivid pictures. 

Ramadan is the longest and most celebrated occasion for Muslims as it lasts for a full lunar month. During Ramadan, adult Muslims fast, abstaining from any intake of food and drink from sunrise until sunset. It could be challenging to fast during Ramadan and to handle all your daily duties and activities. 

However, Muslims consider Ramadan as a period of reflection, rearranging their priorities, and working with very positive morals. They appreciate and celebrate every aspect associated with the month.  

As a child and a young man, I enjoyed unforgettable memories of Ramadan in my country, Egypt, where Ramadan has unique traditions and special ceremonies. I enjoyed playing with other kids in the streets full of simple and very colorful decorations. We used to carry very traditional lanterns with candles and walk behind “Al-Misaharaty” – the man who used to wake people up to have their late-night meal “Suhoor.” 

As a young man, I used to enjoy Ramadan with my friends, spending wonderful moments in big cafés. We used to go to famous mosques in Cairo, especially near Al-Azhar Mosque. Ramadan in Egypt is remarkable. 

My kids love Ramadan here in Saudi Arabia, as they lived most of their lives here. They know all the traditions and celebrations of Ramadan. The older ones love to go to the mosque to perform Al-Traweeh prayers, while the younger ones, Habiba and Shahed, say, “We love Ramadan when we attend the Gergian event and parties.”

As a family, we do our best to make Ramadan an opportunity to get together and do various activities together. We decorate the house together, attend events together, gather to recite the Holy Quran, and communicate with our extended family back in Egypt through social media. 

This year is a happy year for our kids as they can enjoy some recreational activities that we missed in 2020 due to COVID-19 precautionary measures. 

My youngest child, Omar, is experiencing many such activities for the first time. He asks about every detail in our daily Ramadan activities and is so happy with his small lantern and the simple decorations we keep at home.

We hope that the next Ramadan will mark the end of COVID-19 and the start of getting back to normal life.