'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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.