Muslim community prepares for Ramadan

 By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald

Syed Soharwardy, founder of the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada and
lead imam of the Al Madinah Calgary Islamic Centre.

During Calgary Stampede for first time in 30 years



Calgary’s Muslim community is preparing for Ramadan, a period of fasting and prayer.

And for the first time in about 30 years, it will be taking place during the Calgary Stampede.

Syed Soharwardy, founder of the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada and lead imam of the Al Madinah Calgary Islamic Centre, says the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar calendar and based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, Muslims should witness the new moon and then start Ramadan.

The new moon is expected to be visible this year on July 9 with the first day of Ramadan starting July 10 and ending on August 8.

“Ramadan is called the month of fasting,” says Soharwardy. It is one of the holiest months of the Islamic calendar. In this month, every adult Muslim must fast from dawn to sunset every day of the month.”

 

“Ramadan is the month when the first revelation of the holy Qur’an was sent by Allah to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him," Soharwardy says.

 

"Special nightly prayers called Taraweeh are offered and the memorizers of the holy Qur’an complete the recitation of the holy Qur’an in the Taraweeh prayers during this month."

Ramadan is also a month of charity. Muslims are required to reach out to the needy and poor.

 

“Muslim families invite neighbours, relatives, friends and people in need to share food with them,” says Soharwardy.

“It is the month of families getting together and celebration.”

He says the Prophet Muhammad said that the first 10 days of Ramadan are mercy, the middle 10 days are forgiveness and last 10 days are salvation.

“This year and the coming few years, the fasting in Ramadan will be harder as Ramadan falls in the summer. The longer days of summer are difficult for Muslims fasting but committed Muslims do get strength from their faith,” he says.

“As far as the Stampede is concerned, we can enjoy the fun of Stampede and fast at the same time.

Fasting does not stop Muslims from enjoying Stampede. The only difference will be that the Muslims will enjoy the food and the drinks after the sunset. The rest is the same.”

At the end of Ramadan, the festival of Eid ul Fitr is celebrated. It is a day of celebration and fun. Gifts are exchanged and parties are held. Family reunions are held and people greet each other and exchange gifts, says Soharwardy.

This year Al Madinah Calgary Islamic Centre will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Interfaith Food Bank of Calgary.

Source:The Calgary Herald