Ramadan Mubarak!
Dear colleagues and friends,
Canada’s population comes from all regions of the world. To encourage you to explore our country’s rich diversity, each month we highlight one important date, event, festival or celebration.
This month, we highlight Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when it is believed that the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) took place. Muslims across the world observe a month of fasting during daylight hours. They have a meal before dawn called “suhur” or “sehri” and break their fast after sunset with a meal called “iftaar.”
Ramadan is expected to start on Saturday, March 1, and will continue until Saturday, March 29, 2025. As the Islamic Hijri calendar is based on the lunar calendar, Ramadan is announced when the crescent is sighted on the eve of Ramadan. Hijri calendar consists of 12 lunar months in a year of 354 or 355 days.
“Iftaar” is often taken as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together. Many Muslims believe that providing “iftaar” to the needy is very rewarding as charity. Muslims also take turns to invite family and friends and host iftaar at their homes or at restaurants.
The Arabic word for fasting is “sawm” which means “to refrain.” In addition to abstaining from food and drink, Muslims are called upon to exercise self-discipline and renew their spiritual commitment through prayer, acts of compassion and charity. Abstention reminds them about those less fortunate and encourages them to demonstrate compassion and share from their wealth. Many Muslims choose this month to make charitable donations.
There are temporary and permanent exemptions from fasting based on physical or mental state and circumstances, such as travel and other hardships. Those who cannot fast during Ramadan are required to fast at a later date and those who are exempt may give in charity the equivalent to feeding a needy person for the missing days of fasting.
In several Muslim-majority countries, working hours are shortened during Ramadan, and lunchtime and after-office hours meetings are avoided. While most Muslims in Canada continue to work during Ramadan, they may need to skip coffee/tea and lunch breaks and adjust their working hours. In general, it is more convenient for Muslims to work from home during the month of Ramadan, where they can work with more flexibility.
If you have Muslim colleagues, you can wish them “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem” and demonstrate sensitivity to their needs if they are fasting.
If you would like that we highlight a cultural event to create awareness about the rich cultural diversity of Canada, please do not hesitate to write to me. That way, we all learn about each other, to promote mutual understanding, respect and collaboration.
Stay safe, stay well!
Respectfully,
Waheed Khan
President, National Consultation Team