During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the faithful abstain from food and drink from dawn until dusk. In Egypt, it is usually a time of unity and festivity, with little tension beyond family squabbles over food and the dozens of soap operas on TV to entertain people who are fasting.
This year has been different.
The official religious authority responsible for issuing religious edicts posted a fatwa on its Facebook page calling eating in public during fasting hours "a sin as it is in violation of etiquette in Muslim countries."
Edicts issued by the authority, Dar al-Iftaa, are not legally binding but are given great weight when it comes to public conduct.
But this particular fatwa has provoked a massive outcry on Egyptian social media, with many criticizing it as an attack on personal freedoms. Some also noted that there are many non-Muslims in Egypt who are not required to observe the fast.
Famous broadcaster Youssef al-Hosiny was among the most vocal. He tweeted that the edict was "Daesh-like," using the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State, and said "that in a society like ours there is no need for such rules because Christians already respect Ramadan."
Popular cartoonist Mohamed Andeel posted on Facebook: "Once upon a time a conservative society's feelings got hurt when someone ate in front of them, and when an elderly lady from a religious minority is dragged out and stripped of her clothing they tell her not to make a big deal of it."
The latter part of his post was in reference to sectarian violence that occurred in late May in a village in southern Egypt: Coptic Christian homes were burned, and a Coptic Christian woman was stripped naked and paraded down the street by a mob of Muslim men as punishment for her son's rumored affair with a Muslim woman.
Since wresting power from Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in 2013, President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi has tried to address the grievances of Egypt's Christian minority, which forms 10 percent of the population. But he has been criticized for his religious rhetoric and championing of traditional religious authorities. In a recent article in daily independent newspaper Al Maqal, prominent columnist and usually pro-regime pundit Ibrahim Eissa criticized Sissi's rule.
"Your state is a theocracy, although you constantly talk of a modern civil state," Eissa wrote.
Earlier this month during fasting hours, security forces shut down several cafes in the middle-class district of Dokki for serving people food publicly - another incident that also incited outrage.
After the outpouring of rage, Dar al-Iftaa removed the edict from its Facebook timeline, but it still remains accessible.
The Washington Post
Sat Jun 18 2016
The fatwa on eating in public during fasting hours has provoked a massive outcry on Egyptian social media
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.