I am of Open Brethren faith, where fasting is led by the spirit to strengthen our prayers. I don't know the mechanics, how it works, but when I am told to fast I know I shall not break early.
Well,
We are the Orthodox Copts in Egypt and many Arab countries fast two third of the year, Also does the Christians Orthodox Syrians our brothers,
We eat no meat or any animal products and every one fast without food or drink for a time, determined differently by the confessor father.
We have just ended Our Lady Virgin Mary fast, and this year Ramadan comes in the same days of her Holy fast and so Egyptians fasted in the same times for almost two weaks.
because of her great holiness few Muslims fast it with us also because she makes miracles and appears to every one regardless what his or her religion is.
And this fast occasion that she had rested in the Lord (died) and went to her son Jesus the Christ in those days about 2000 years ago.
Yes gibnah siyaami has less fats as I was told, it's healthy, but I can't feel it's taste, I never ate it, despite my family loves it.
I like Beans or as we call it (Foul) and of course tamea, despite they make tamea from foul but for some reason it tastes different !
We eat it in fast days and non fast days, In Islamic and Christian occasions.
Most of Egyptians lives are depending on those two special dishes, maybe it's like potatoes in Irland in former times, the government call them strategic goods,
And without them; many Egyptians go hungery.
This food seems odd and tasteless to non Egyptians but for us and for some unkown reason, it attracts us like magic, like bees to honey.
What is fuul? And is it pronounced like fool?
My kids just told me this joke.
Two guys got abandoned in the Sahara desert... David and Michael. They walked and walked, and finally came across a mosque in an Oasis.
David said, 'Let's pretend we're Muslim, so these people will give us something to drink and eat.'
Michael replied, 'No way! I'm not about to lie about who I am.'
So, they go inside the mosque and see the Imam. The Imam greets them and asks them their names. David introduces himself as Muhammad, while Michael introduces himself as Michael.
The Imam then calls out to his assistant, "Go get Michael something to eat and drink."
He then turns to David and says, 'Ramadan Mubarak!'.
Thank you, beautiful pictures! I loved number 7 the most. Did I mention I'm going to Egypt next year? No? Well, I did now!
Also, when does Ramadan end? I saw two Muslim women today in town, but they were eating crisps. I was puzzled. I didn't think it had ended.
Women are not to fast while on their mensus, and they make those days up after Ramadan is over. Also, if they were sick or traveling or pregnant or breastfeeding, they would not have to fast and could make it up later.
There are still about ten more days for Ramadan.
When are you planning on going to Egypt? I know one very nice boy (my sister's brother-in-law) who would love to show you around there if he's there. He's in London now, actually, for a few months.
I'd love to visit some of the Coptic Orthodox churches there, from what I've seen they're beautiful.