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Calgary’s Muslim community is preparing for the holy month of Ramadan, but given the ongoing war in Gaza, things are a little different this year.
Usually, Muslims look forward to Ramadan and are very excited for this festive month of sacrifice and family gatherings, said Muslim Council of Calgary director Abdullah Chybli, via email to Postmedia.
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“Due to the ongoing genocide of the people of Gaza, the mood is a little different this year,” said Chybli.
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He said the conflict in Gaza is a profound concern for Canadian Muslims, particularly as they observe Ramadan.
“During this time of spiritual reflection and community solidarity, the Muslim community in Calgary is steadfast in its commitment to amplifying efforts toward advocating for a ceasefire and providing essential humanitarian aid to Gaza,” he said.
Almost 2 billion Muslims from around the world observe Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, in some way every year. Based on the lunar calendar, the dates for Ramadan shift 10 days every year, meaning it can take place in any season.
Each year, the start of Ramadan coincides with the sighting of the crescent moon. For 2024, it’s expected to begin on the evening of March 10 and ends on April 9.
Muslims believe the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed during Ramadan, meaning the month holds special significance for studying and reciting the Quran according to Chybli.
The fourth pillar of Islam, Sawm, involves fasting — no eating or drinking — from sunrise (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib) each day of Ramadan, according to Idrees Khan, founder of Muslim Families Network Society in Calgary.
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Prayer (or Salat) the second pillar of Islam, also plays a role each day throughout Ramadan, said Khan.
“God gives us the courage to do that, in the name of doing some goodness for us and for others, for people around us,” she said.
There are many reasons for fasting, according to Khan. “But (one) reason why we fast is (so) that we can feel the pain, and the hunger of the poor people.”
Not only is the month about fasting, prayer, and people’s individual relationship with God, there’s also an emphasis on charity and generosity, which Khan works toward at MFNS.
On March 24, MFNS will be running its annual city-wide halal food and clothing distribution drive, which Khan expects will serve as many as 2,500 community members in need.
Chybli said Ramadan is about more than just abstaining from eating or drinking.
“It’s a month of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased devotion to worship,” said Chybli.
He said that Ramadan also fosters a sense of community and solidarity among Muslims, and it’s common for families and friends to join each other for their fast-breaking evening meal (known as Iftar).
“In Alberta, Muslim Canadians often organize community Iftar events, inviting people from all backgrounds to join.”
The festival after the end of Ramadan, called Eid al-Fitr, is a day of thanking God, and having fulfilled his will, it’s time for a celebration says Khan.
Chybli noted the Muslim Council of Calgary is part of an Eid al-Fitr celebration being held on April 13.
With files from Postmedia
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