Courtesy: CHAT Newsroom

By Angela Kazmierczak

Brooks mosque begins Ramadan fast

Mar 23, 2023 | 5:10 PM

BROOKS, AB – Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with its largest populations being in Indonesia, Pakistan and India.

One of the significant holidays that Muslims’ observe is Ramadan, and it’s considered the holiest month on the Muslim calendar.

The holiday involves an entire month of fasting, prayer and reflection.

At sundown yesterday, Muslims around the world began observing the holiday – including those in Brooks.

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For the next 30 days, members of the Brooks’ mosque will pray five times a day, fast from dawn to dusk, and come together at night as a community to eat.

Mohammed Idriss, a church member, says it’s a time to consider others.

“Ramadan is the month of generosity. Our prophets encourages us to use this month to really think about and really observe others who may not be as blessed as we are,” said Idriss.

Those sick or traveling can break their fast.

They follow a schedule though, and must eat and drink before 5:54 a.m. comes. Church member Mourad Trabelsi says followers look forward to this time.

“All Muslim, they happy for Ramadan to come. To fast for Ramadan for the health and to feel how they survive if they don’t have food. Rich people will donate money for poor people before Ramadan and after Ramadan,” said Trabelsi.

For example, members of the church will offer prayers, donate to those in need, and remember those who can’t eat three times a day.

Idriss says this year Ramadan comes at a very dire time in the world.

“This time, it’s actually very touching because Ramadan comes this year and there are many Muslims around the world that are going through some difficult times,” said Idriss.

The church is doing what they can to help those impacted by the quakes.

“We have a charity that we give at the end of the month, which we give at the end of Ramadan to say we are completed the fast. Now we are giving that back to the people who need that,” said Idriss.

The recent earthquakes in Turkey, Syria and Pakistan are adding more meaning to the mosque’s time of reflection.

As for observing Ramadan in a non-majority Muslim country, such as Canada, it is different than in other parts of the world.

But Idriss finds it creates room for questions, such as why Muslims fast and practice certain rituals. Having these conversations during Ramadan, he says it brings the community together in an unique way.

“It’s one other way that different cultures and different people from different faiths can learn about each other and break together,” said Idriss.

Members of the Brooks’ mosque say Ramadan Mubarak, a wish for a generous Ramadan.