The Holy Month of Ramadan

The Holy Month of Ramadan

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Ramadan is a special occasion for Muslims which is similar to Easter and Christmas for Christians. This year, it is celebrated from March 22 to April 20.

In a press release from Alberta Government on March 22, Premier Danielle Smith commented, “I want to wish Muslims in Alberta and around the world a healthy, happy and peaceful Ramadan.”

President of Vegreville Muslim Association Hesham Mostafa describe the journey through Ramadan.

“Ramadan is on the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar that consists of 354 days. Therefore, its 12 months slowly cycle through the Gregorian calendar. Muslims fast for either 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the moon at the end of the month. A new moon marks the end of a month in the Islamic calendar and the beginning of a new one.

Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. At dawn, Muslims begin their fast for the day, refraining from eating, drinking and smoking. The sunset marking the end of the day, is when they can break their fast. It’s challenging, however, Muslims believe that God gives spiritual strength, and it is mind over matter.

Numerous health benefits of fasting have been scientifically proven, but one of the main purposes of fasting during Ramadan is to gain consciousness of Allah. Fasting itself has been prescribed upon Muslims as it has been prescribed upon Christians and Jews before them. However, whoever is sick or on a journey, can fast the same number of missed days after Ramadan.

Some of the members of Vegreville Muslim Association gather for a picture after the potluck.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Ramadan is special because it’s believed that during Ramadan, the Qur’an, Islam’s holy text and the guiding principle for Muslims, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). Muslims celebrate Ramadan by worshiping, studying Qur’an, praying with the congregation, asking for forgiveness, giving to charities and spreading kindness. As much as it is a time for faith and spiritual reflection, Ramadan is also a time when families and friends come together to celebrate.

Vegreville Muslim Association (VMA) observes Ramadan annually. This year, VWA is organizing a daily night of prayers, a weekly Iftar (breaking the fast meal) potluck, a Quran recitation competition and donations of monetary and non-perishable food items to Vegreville Food Bank. VMA is also donating Ramadan charity from its members to Islamic Relief Canada.”

Sukaina Gondal with her six month old daughter Rafia.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)