Ramadan 2023

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee has provided us with information on Ramadan.

This week, Muslims from around the world will begin to fast and start the month of Ramadan. It marks a holy month for Muslims, where many in the community will start a month-long observance of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, following a lunar system. The month traditionally begins based on the sighting of a new crescent moon and lasts approximately 29 to 30 days on the sighting of the next new moon. Muslims observe this sacred month to mark their belief of when the Qu’ran (the sacred text of Islam) was revealed. This revelation is known as the “night of power” or ‘Laylat Al Qadar’ in Arabic.

During Ramadan, many Muslims do not consume any food or drink from sunrise to sunset. After sunset, Muslims gather in their homes or mosques to break their fast with a meal called iftar which is often shared with family and friends. Aside from fasting, Muslims also celebrate Ramadan by studying the Qur’an, performing acts of service, and giving to charity.

The end of Ramadan is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, the “Feast of Fast-Breaking,” which is one of the two major religious holidays of the Islamic calendar.

Our EDI Committee has also directed us to the resource at this link which provides further information on Ramadan.