This Ramadan, food prices change Egypt's longstanding Iftar customs
Surging food prices force Egyptians to strictly stick to the basics ahead of Ramadan.
CAIRO — Life is no longer the same for cattle trader Bahaa Mahmud. When the Islamic holy month of Ramadan approached in the previous years, Mahmud put together large amounts of food in preparation for his charity iftars —the evening meal following a day of fasting from sunrise to sunset—.
Mahmud would erect a tent outside his shop in Giza province, place dozens of chairs around the tables inside the tent lit with colorful lights and wait for the poor to arrive and break their fast.
"These charity iftars offered people respite from their poverty during Ramadan," Mahmud told Al-Monitor. "Many of those coming would request takeaway meals for their children and family members at home."
Charity iftars — a basic feature of Ramadan in predominantly Muslim Egypt, the most populous Arab nation — were Mahmud's way to please God during the most sacred month of the year for Muslims.
