Egypt’s Ministry of Awqaf has prepared Qur’anic, religious and charity activities for the fasting month of Ramadan.

Abdullah Hassan, the ministry’s spokesman said there will be many programs and activities for the holy month this year, Mustaqbal Watan News reported.

There will be Quran recitation circles with the participation of eminent qaris and Ibtihal reciters in various governorates of Egypt, he stated.

Hassan added that big mosques will also be prepared by the ministry for hosting Itikaf (religious retreat) ceremonies.

Distributing food baskets among those in need is also on the Awqaf ministry’s agenda for Ramadan, he said, noting that it would have more importance this year than previous years given the difficult economic situation in the country.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) heart in this month.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Hassan said the 29^th international Quran competition of Egypt will be organized by the ministry on February 408.

Cairo will host the international event in several categories such as Quran recitation, memorization, and Quranic sciences.