The Muslim holy season of Ramadan is a time of sacrifice. That is especially so for Cairo residents who endure long days of fasting in Egypt's hot temperatures. Cairo-based photojournalist Hamada Elrasam shows how Egyptians of all walks of life find creative ways to cope.
Egyptians of All Walks of Life During Ramadan
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With the beginning of Ramadan each year, many Egyptians decorate their streets and corridors to welcome the holy month in Cairo.
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This year - despite the hot weather - Egyptian Muslims fast 15 hours. During that period, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations. Some Muslims sleep during the time of fasting.
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Mohamed Labeb, a 37-year-old driver, says, “It doesn’t look appropriate if I hang out in a coffee shop during the fasting hours, that’s why I go fishing until time of Iftar comes.”
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This Ramadan season, the satellite's Arabic TV channels offer a list of more than 60 series for TV viewers to follow during the month. Sarah, who spends many hours during Ramadan in front of the TV, says “When I’m watching TV, I forget to eat or drink, with watching TV I can fast for days.”