What does Ramadan mean for Egypt’s Coptic Christians?

Cairo – Ramadan is a special time for everyone in Egypt. [During iftar] the streets are empty, and everybody spends time enjoying meals with their family and friends.

In Egypt, the month of Ramadan goes beyond what any other Muslim country can offer. In its own way, it resembles Christmas festivities in the West, where parties take place in the middle of the week, baking and cooking is part and parcel of the festivities, chocolate goodies, gift wrapping and gift giving dominate the month of December. And more than anything, it is a time to remember those in need. 

During a program named “The Two Friends,” aired on Al-Mehwar satellite channel, Reverend Athanasius Rizq, who presents the program, said that Ramadan for Christians is a month full of blessings.

Rev. Rizq added that many Egyptians do meritorious deeds this month such as serving food on charity tables (Mawaid Al-Rahman) where Christians and Muslims alike eat from one and the same plate, pointing out that the churches during this month organize charity Iftar for both Muslims and Christians.

“During the holy month of Ramadan, Ramadan lounges are organized in youth centers, that stay open till Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and are attended by Christians and Muslims alike. Indeed, Ramadan is a time for unity, time to come together with family, friends and neighbors, Muslim and non-Muslim,” asserted Rizq. 

“We spend Ramadan the same way Muslims do. It is a more cultural tradition than a religious one,” says Andrew, a 30-year-old marketing specialist working in Giza. “It has always been looked forward to since I was at school. As a child, I was always the sneaky friend for my Muslim classmates, and they could have some food or water from what I had!” Today, however, he does not take food to work during the month of Ramadan. “There is no point in eating alone. I usually only drink water during day and have lunch when we go back home, at Iftar time. Actually, I get invited to all of my friends’ Iftars, and I also organize it once a year for my friends, together with my family,” he says.

“Ramadan to me is like Christmas. I love the atmosphere. All Egyptians feel the same in both festivities. Whether you are Muslim or Christian, you celebrate it. It's who we are,” said Abanoub, a young videographer.

Coptic Christians represent the second largest religious community in Egypt. The number of Copts, however, has been arguable for many years. According to private estimates, between 6 and 11 million Egyptians are Coptic Christians, but according to Christian organizations, Copts Without Chains and the Copt Coalition of Egypt, the community extends between 15 and 18 million people, representing about 18-22% of the country’s population.

The tradition of fasting and abstinence in Egypt is not exclusive to the Muslim community: Christians fast 210 days for different commemorations throughout the year. Although Coptic fasting in general means adhering to a vegan diet, abstaining from animal products such as meat, fish and eggs, many Egyptian Christians follow a tradition similar to the Muslim fast, abstaining from all food until the sun sets.