MIDDLE EAST: The Fast of Ramadan

From dawn to dusk each day this month good Moslems may not eat, drink, smoke, use perfume, apply leeches, indulge in sex. It is the month of Ramadan, holiest in Islam’s year, and conscientious observance of its requirements can atone for a solid year of sinning.

The Prophet Mohammed said “God would make fast an ease and not a difficulty,” sensibly exempted the old, the sick, the pregnant, nursing mothers, wayfarers and all who work too hard. And the Prophet told his followers to go ahead and indulge their postponed pleasures after sunset. Consequently many Moslems, particularly wealthy fasters, raise considerable cain through the nights of modern Ramadan.

In primitive Arabic, Ramadan means “intense heat.” Though it has no fixed date in the Western calendar and may occur even in winter, this year’s Ramadan of 29 days appropriately broke right into the hottest summer that Egypt remembers. The damp caused by the flooding Nile spread low clouds like woolen blankets over Egypt. Tempers rose, gharry drivers and porters spit abuse at one another, fists went into action on the slightest provocation. Even unfasting, infidel Christians seemed unduly cross.

The Ramadan arriving in the indolent Middle East gave further excuse for the slow life: no serious work shall be under taken; even officials may go late to work; schools will close at 2 p.m. Those officials who do not observe Ramadan, in Premier Mustapha El Nahas Pasha’s words, “shall be dealt with.” The Premier made an example: he called off his important Pan-Arab talks (TIME, Aug. 23).

Peacetime Ramadan in Egypt had children, rich and poor, wandering from house to house swinging red and green lanterns from poles, singing for candy and food. “Joy, oh joy,” they would sing, “the Sultan’s daughter is wearing a robe of bright scarlet red, bright lemon yellow. Oh, give to me as is your custom, and a very happy New Year to you.” Now there is war: parents will not let their children out in the blackout; villagers do not like to give away any of their expensive, rationed food.