As Muslims around the world began Ramadan, an Egyptian charity prepared food parcels for families in need during Islam's holy month.
“Every year, I see Misr ElKheir packing boxes for families in need every day during Ramadan, and I’ve always wanted to be part of the volunteer team that participates in this effort. This year, I managed to join the volunteer team and I came to pack boxes for Ramadan. Each year, the contents of the boxes vary depending on the families’ needs. This year, I hope these boxes will bring happiness to these families and that we can provide them with everything they need,” said Mariam Zaki, a volunteer.
Earlier this week, volunteers from the Misr ElKheir charity foundation packed aid boxes, filling them with food that will be distributed to families in need during this period of religious reflection and charity.
This year, our goal is to feed 7 million people who are fasting. This is a huge number, a very important number that the foundation is striving to achieve with all its departments. We have the supply chain department, the implementation department, field offices, the Takaful (solidarity) department, and many other departments and volunteers. Many departments within the foundation begin planning the campaign five or six months in advance so that we can achieve our goal during Ramadan,” said Hanan el-Derbashy, Head of the Solidarity and Debtors Sector at the Misr ElKheir Foundation.
In the days leading up to the start of the holy month, Egyptians usually go to the markets to buy decorations, lanterns, and food products.
Some shoppers in Cairo have complained about high prices this year, saying they had to buy fewer items to prepare for observing Ramadan.
“We are preparing for the holy month. As you know, there is a special atmosphere (specific to Ramadan). Everyone who is married and has children should instill the spirit of Ramadan in the entire household. And we are starting to prepare all the necessary items for Ramadan, including yamish (a mixture of dates, nuts, and dried fruit usually bought before Ramadan). But this year, its price is exorbitant, so we are only buying half the usual amount,” said Sameh el-Sheikh, a resident of Cairo.
Practicing Muslims around the world will soon be united in a daily fasting ritual from dawn until sunset, with the start of Ramadan. On a social level, Ramadan often brings families and friends together for festive meals to break the fast.
