3 minute read
Sacred Time of Ramadan
Sacred Time of Ramadan
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
In a press release on March 10 from Alberta News, Premier Danielle Smith stated, “On March 10, thousands of Albertans join more than 1.8 billion Muslims across the world in marking the start of Ramadan. “To all those observing Ramadan, may you be filled with peace, joy, gratitude, and serenity.
“Ramadan Mubarak!”
In another press release on March 10 from the Government of Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated, “Over the coming weeks, family and friends will come together to pray and give back to others through kindness and generosity.
This year, the sacred month comes at a particularly challenging time, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to unfold. Canada reaffirms our call for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and the safe, unimpeded access to humanitarian relief for civilians.
As Muslim communities observe Ramadan with kindness and compassion, we are reminded of our collective duty to stand against Islamophobia, racism, and hate in all their forms, wherever and whenever they occur.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish Muslim communities across Canada a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.”
When asked what Ramadan means to them and how they observe this sacred time, Vegreville’s residents Bonnie Dribnenki and her husband Abdoul Diawara who are board members of Vegreville Muslim Association (VMA) replied, “Ramadan is a holy month in our home. Those who can fast, consume no food or drink, from before sunrise until sunset. We do our best to do more helping, charity, and kindness during this month. We strive to increase our knowledge of our faith and worship God in all that we do.
Ramadan is akin to a 30-day boot camp through which we as Muslims strive to increase our taqwa (God-consciousness). During this month we refrain from eating from sunrise to sunset, read and listen to the Quran, and increase our acts of worship and charity. This time is meant to remind us of what it is to be in the ever presence of the divine and the goal is to carry this state throughout the year as much as possible.”
Another resident Maha Bakjaji expressed that Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar (the lunar calendar). “It is a month for worship, devotion of intention to God, helping poor and needy people, especially relatives, and bringing happiness to the hearts of poor children. It is the month of mercy, forgiveness, and closeness to God.
For me, it is getting together with family and spending happy times with them...but since our family is in Syria, we try to spend Ramadan with friends, especially the friends at VMA.
We put up Ramadan decorations and lights, and we also prepare special types of food and sweets in this holy month.”
