Long lines, harried shop employees and energetic customers are all part of the Ramadan experience as Egyptian families race to purchase all the staple foods and drinks needed for the holy month. “Ramadan is not a month for eating and drinking, it's a month for fasting and getting close to God,” said housewife Salwa Abdou. “The buying obsession is against the fasting philosophy as extravagant food is against the Islamic religion,” she added. “God said, ‘You who believe in me, don't extravagantly eat or drink, as God doesn't like extravagant people.'” “I make sure to buy all I need for Ramadan to satisfy my family during the meals I host during the holy month,” said housewife Hager Mohamed. Ramadan is a golden chance for the family to reunite and come closer together, she added. “Iftar with many people require a lot of food, which is why there is an obsession with buying.”
