'A time for community to get together': Muslims begin month-long fast for Ramadan
The Muslim community in Manitoba and around the world began this year’s fasting month of Ramadan, entering a period of worship.
The holy month kicked off last night with the first sighting of the crescent moon.
For the 30 days of Ramadan, Muslims will fast from dawn until dusk. At night, family and friends come together for a festive feast. Fasting is aimed at bringing people closer to God, and serves as a reminder of the suffering of the less fortunate.
“It’s a time for the community to get together, fast, become religious, reflect on the past year and the coming year, and really celebrate the month of Ramadan,” said Ruheen Aziz, a board member with the Manitoba Islamic Association.
Aziz said Ramadan is a significant and spiritual month for Muslims as it marks the time when the Quran was released to the Prophet Muhammad.
She added that fasting is also a big aspect of the month, but that it’s not only about refraining from food and drink.
“It’s also a time to fast from, maybe, your daily activities that have kept you busy in the worldly life,” Aziz said,
“It’s also a time to really get strong in your spiritual activities. You’ll find that a lot of Muslims will take time off work if they can or refrain from any extra social activities.”
Ramadan ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which typically includes communal prayers, celebratory gatherings and festive meals.
This Friday night, Winnipeggers are invited to break the fast with the Manitoba Islamic Association at the Grand Mosque on Waverley. All are welcome, but you are asked to register ahead of time.
“This is a great opportunity to learn what it is to be part of Ramadan and we welcome all to it,” Aziz said.
- With files from CTV’s Devon McKendrick.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6978649.1722015109!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump's near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president's ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former president's injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Powerful cartel leader 'El Mayo' Zambada was lured onto airplane before arrest in U.S., AP source says
A powerful Mexican drug cartel leader who eluded authorities for decades was duped into flying into the U.S., where he was arrested alongside a son of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, according to a U.S. law enforcement official familiar with the matter.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.