MEDICINE HAT, AB – It’s empty stomachs and full hearts for Medicine Hat Muslim families this month.
It’s the second week of Ramadan, which marks the holiest of months on the Islamic lunar calendar.
According to local Imam Dr. Emad Salih, it’s one of the most important times of the year for Muslims.
“It is the month where the Quran, the beginning of the revelation of the Quaran, started in the month of Ramadan,” said Salih. “So, we normally fast during the day hours, so we start our fast at dawn and we end our fast at sunset.”
In Islamic tradition, fasting helps cleanse the body and mind, while also putting the struggle of those suffering from hunger into perspective.
Medicine Hat’s Muslim population has been growing in recent years, with between 300 and 400 families living in the community and attending services at the mosque.
Syed Shah said the Muslim community uses Ramadan to form deeper connections with their faith, and each other.
“I just love how we get together, and get to discuss and help each other out through our daily lives,” said Shah. “I have a few questions I can ask the Imam here and he can help me out, it’s really helpful.”
Because it follows the lunar calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan begins twelve days earlier every year. For example, Ramadan this year began on May 26 and next year will start sometime in mid-May.
Every Saturday a potluck feast is held at the mosque, to break the fast as a community.
Worshipper Rizwan Naeem said it’s a celebration that is extended to Medicine Hat residents of all faiths and backgrounds.
“We invite everyone, whether it’s Muslim or non-Muslim, to come and join at our mosque and have a meal with us,” said Naeem. “And, see how we break our fast.”
What many at the mosque agreed with was the month also serves as a chance to educate non-Muslims about Islamic traditions and customs, and a chance to contribute more to local charities.
Although the month is based predominantly around faith and prayer, Salih added a huge component of Ramadan is personal growth.
“It’s about developing qualities of patience, perseverance, sacrifice, and being able to perform all your duties at the same time,” he said. “Whether it’s duties towards your lord, towards your family, or towards your job and community.”
Ramadan will come to an end on June 24 with Eid al-Fitr, a meal celebration otherwise known as ‘the festival of breaking the fast.’
