Rabat – Ramadan is expected to begin on Saturday, April 2 in Canada, according to Islamic Relief Canada. Ramadan is set to end on May 1, with the celebratory days of Eid al-Fitr starting on either May 2 or May 3, 2022.
The exact start date will be confirmed after the sighting of the moon.
Ramadan is considered a period of prayer, fasting, charitable giving and self-accountability for Muslims around the world. During this holy month, they reflect on the place of faith in their lives and work to improve their human qualities, such as patience, compassion and humility.
Muslims also practice Zakat al Fitr (almsgiving), which consists of paying a compulsory tax to the mosque or to an individual in need, just before the end of Ramadan.
There are several reasons for exemption from the practice of fasting such as poor health, undergoing long exhausting trips, pregnancy, and menstruation. When a person cannot fast for one of these reasons, they can either make up for the missed days later or give meals to the poor.
In Canada, fasting can be difficult, as the number of fasting hours reaches 18 hours in some areas. However, Muslims residing in Canada still hold onto their Ramadan traditions, which usually begin a few days prior and continue until Eid al-Fitr.
These traditions include visiting friends and family members, performing Taraweeh (late-night prayers), gathering for Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (a meal that Muslims eat after sunset to break their daily fast), and reciting the holy Quran.
Mosques are keen to make various preparations to welcome larger numbers of worshipers during this holy month, while some restaurants and cafes tend to change their official opening hours to match Suhoor and Iftar time.
Ramadan is not the name of a religious holiday but that of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is derived from the Semitic word “ramad” meaning “scorching heat.”
Ramadan is considered one of the five pillars of Islam, next to As-Shahada (the profession of faith), the five daily prayers, al-Zakat and al-Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).
