Egypt

Poet and essayist Kazim Ali examines the beauty of the religious ritual The Quran calls on Muslims to refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse during the daylight hours for the entire month. Muslims are also expected to abstain from eavesdropping, gossip and backbiting while spending time reflecting on God and their faith. In his book "Fasting for Ramadan," poet and essayist Kazim Ali examines the beauty this ancient practice brings to his life and the relevance it may have for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Born in London, Kazim Ali was raised in Canada by his Shi'ite Muslim parents and now teaches writing at Oberlin College in Ohio. His relatives consider themselves to be traditional and many of them married women who cover their heads. But Ali and his mother were usually the only ones fasting during Ramadan. He recalls his mother's tap on the door in the dark before dawn when they would share a meal before the sun rose and the fast began. ...

Poet and essayist Kazim Ali examines the beauty of the religious ritual The Quran calls on Muslims to refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse during the daylight hours for the entire month. Muslims are also expected to abstain from eavesdropping, gossip and backbiting while spending time reflecting on God and their faith. In his book "Fasting for Ramadan," poet and essayist Kazim Ali examines the beauty this ancient practice brings to his life and the relevance it may have for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Born in London, Kazim Ali was raised in Canada by his Shi'ite Muslim parents and now teaches writing at Oberlin College in Ohio. His relatives consider themselves to be traditional and many of them married women who cover their heads. But Ali and his mother were usually the only ones fasting during Ramadan. He recalls his mother's tap on the door in the dark before dawn when they would share a meal before the sun rose and the fast began. ...