Monday marks the beginning of the holiest month for more than one billion Muslims around the world.
Ramadan starts at the beginning of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and that date shifts back about 10 days each year. This year, the 30 day sacred fast falls in the month of June, meaning it’ll be longer and more difficult for many to observe.
Longer days means longer fasting times. In Winnipeg, the sun doesn’t set on-average until 9:25 pm, meaning Muslims will fast for about 16 hours per day.
Warda Ahmed with the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg said, for many Muslims in Winnipeg, they begin the fast prior to sunrise at 3:30 am, making their fast 18 hours.
Worldwide the shortest fasting time will be 9 hours in Sydney, Australia and the longest will be just under 22 hours in Iceland, making it one of the most difficult fasts for anyone to observe
What is Ramadan?
“It’s kind of a time for Muslims to make their new years resolution,” said Ahmed.
Muslims around the world are united through this holy month where they abstain from food, water, smoking, and sexual activity from sunrise to sunset. The holy month is a chance for people to spiritually reflect, practice patience, and a chance to remember the less fortunate.
Being one of the pillars of Islam, Ramadan is mandatory for those practicing. However, pregnant women, women breastfeeding, or on their monthly cycle, people who are sick, and travelling are exempt from the fast.
“The purpose is not to harm their bodies. The purpose is to be able to discipline the soul. In terms of the body, it depends on if the body is able to fast.
The meal following a fast is called iftaar and each fast is broken with a date, water and prayers.
Eid al-Fitr is the celebration at the end of the month of fasting, which is filled with celebrations, lots of food, gifts, and family time.
In an effort to help Canadians unfamiliar with the month of Ramadan to gain a better understanding and appreciation for it, Canadian Muslims have launched the “Fast with a Muslim Friend” campaign.