For Muslims in Manitoba and around the world, Ramadan is more than just a time of fasting—it is a period of self-reflection, prayer, and deepening connections with the community.
Ramadan in Manitoba: A Time for Fasting, Reflection, and to Give Back
As the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar begins, many are focusing on ways to give back and support those in need.
“As the years have gone by, it’s become more spiritual, more about self-improvement and how I can help improve maybe a lot of the community around me,” said Tasneem Valli in an interview with CBC’s Information Radio.
Fasting during Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk.
The day begins with suhur, an early morning meal, and ends with iftar, a communal meal to break the fast after sunset. The festival of Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of the holy month.
For Valli, the act of fasting has taken on a deeper significance over the years. She typically breaks her fast with dates, known for their nutritional benefits, and uses the month as a time to reflect on food insecurity and social justice issues.
“I’ll be thinking about how food insecurity affects people here in Manitoba and across the world,” she said, adding that Ramadan is an opportunity to find ways to help those in need.
Community Outreach
The Manitoba Islamic Association (MIA) is taking action to support those facing food insecurity by partnering with local organisations to distribute meals throughout Ramadan. Hakim Ghulam, chairperson of the MIA board, said the initiative has been growing each year.
“You just take it for granted, so a month like this is critical … it heightens our focus and makes sure that we’re doing what we can to give back,” said Samir Hassan, a member of the association.
On Saturday, MIA hosted its first community iftar at the Winnipeg mosque, bringing together dozens of people, including non-Muslims interested in learning about Islamic traditions. Abid Vali, an MIA member, emphasized the importance of opening doors to those outside the Muslim community.
“We’re hoping to let people know how we operate … and sort of give back to the community,” he said.
The food outreach initiative, which has been running for several years, continues to expand with increasing donations and participation.
“We are very happy,” Ghulam said. “It’s a month of being generous with the people. It’s a month of taking care of people.”
Growing Community
In Brandon, Manitoba’s second-largest city, the local Muslim community is also prioritizing charitable efforts during Ramadan. Amir Farooq, president of the Brandon Islamic Centre, said fasting is a way to cultivate gratitude and empathy for those less fortunate.
“[We] do fasting for the reason that we can learn to value what we have and be grateful for all the blessings we have been given, and … to feel empathy for the people who have less than us,” he said.
The Muslim community in Brandon has been expanding, and the centre is seeing increased attendance for religious gatherings, including Taraweeh prayers, which involve reciting portions of the Qur’an.
“People are coming from all over the place,” Farooq said. “We try our best to help the community and fulfil their religious and emotional needs here locally in Brandon, and for [the] whole Westman area.”
As Ramadan progresses, Muslims across Manitoba will continue to focus on faith, generosity, and strengthening their bonds within the community, while also reaching out to support those in need.
SOURCE: https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/n-america/ramadan-in-manitoba-a-time-for-fasting-reflection-and-to-give-back/