Ramadan is a very special time for all people of Islam. Every year I look forward to this holy month of fasting, charity and good will. Ramadan is a month where all Muslims reflect on their connection to God and the rest of humanity by fasting from food and water from dawn to dusk.  

Throughout Egypt people celebrate Ramadan in different ways. They have family gatherings, spend their evenings with friends, give to the poor or spend time reading the Quran. Every year the SCA sponsors an iftar, the meal at the end of the day that breaks the fast. This is a wonderful event held at one of Cairo's nice hotels. This year it was at the Sheraton and all of the employees of the SCA were invited to attend. Everyone always gets dressed up and really looks forward to being able to spend time with each other outside of work. The food was wonderful and it was nice to relax as a family after a long day.
 

In addition to the SCA employee iftar, I hold a separate iftar for the guards and inspectors. I break my fast with them and then take the time to listen to their concerns and comments about their jobs. I wish more employers in Egypt took the time to do this during Ramadan. I think its very important that all employees feel like they are contributing to their job and are being listened to. 

Ramadan is a great experience for members of the Foreign Office because they get to experience a part of Islamic culture and share in the religious experience of their colleagues. They usually never get exposed to Ramadan, as they come from the USA or the UK, but I think its a great opportunity for them to share in this month. I've noticed that members of the Egyptian staff have given fanus lamps to members of the foreign staff. These lamps are traditional gifts and decorations during Ramadan and are used to line the streets at night. They are very beautiful and most of them are still handmade in the Khan el-Khalili market. 

Ramadan is also a month when we think about other people, especially those less fortunate than ourselves. We see who is being neglected and make an extra effort to help them, through charitable works and donations. It is very common for restaurants, rich people, mosques and other community organizations to sponsor iftar on the streets of Cairo for the poor. Nobody can go hungry during Ramadan in Egypt because of the generous outpouring of food. Even though I am as busy as usual during the season of Ramadan, I always take time to remember that I am very blessed and that I should remember to give to those who are less fortunate.