Protests over the coup/revolution in Egypt continue, even as Ramadan – a lunar month where Muslims fast from dawn to dusk – begins. Edmund Sanders looked at how this might affect the protests:

• The Egyptian military is hoping that protesters will find it hard to demonstrate as their energy wanes during the day.
• However many of the protesters feel that the holiday gives their protests an even deeper religious meaning. They are now sacrificing food for their country.
• The Muslim Brotherhood is trying to create a festive atmosphere in the areas where the protests are being held by laying carpets and planning moonlit soccer matches.
• Charities will also offer free food to the protesters after dusk, to ensure that the protests continue.
• It is possible that both the protesters and the military will be less violent as Ramadan is a month of charity and equality.
• Yet if one side perceives the other as acting against this festive spirit, it’s likely that this will add to the tensions between the protesters and the military.
• Fasting might also make the protesters and the soldiers more irritable, and thus violent.

Read more about the rewards of martyring yourself during Ramadan, why Egyptians might be unable to enjoy the festivities at home, and what the protesters think, over here.

Source: LA Times