Canadian Muslims are marking the start of Ramadan on Wednesday, but one thing will be new about the most festive and holiest month in Islam.
For the first time in about two decades, Canada's approximately 1.8 million Muslims are marking the entire month of Ramadan in winter, says Noor Al-Henedy, a spokesperson for the Al Rashid Mosque in Edmonton.
"Our Muslim population follows the lunar moon, which requires the moon sighting to determine when the month (begins) ... so individuals will notice that Ramadan will shift every year," she said.
"This year, it is coming earlier in winter time after a long time."
That means community members fast from dawn to dusk, with no food and water, for fewer hours.
"Fasting for me is going to be much more pleasant," Al-Henedy said with a laugh. "It'll be easier for my kids, because they'll be less antsy."
Muslims mark Ramadan with almsgiving — extending charity or kindness to others — as well as spiritual reflection. Daily large gatherings at mosques across the country are a feature of the holy month.
Al Rashid, Canada's first mosque, sees up to 5,000 congregants a day in the first several days of the month. Family and friends come together to cook, eat and stand shoulder to shoulder to pray.
Al Rashid is also planning to host its annual "A Taste of Ramadan" feast in March in partnership with local non-profit groups. This year, members of the public are invited to eat halal burgers and hot dogs.
Al-Henedy said the mosque invites the public to feast and learn more about Islam, because celebrating, breaking bread with others and charity are a large component of the holy month.
The practice in Canada dates back to when Muslims began immigrating to the country.
"Muslims, when they arrived (in Alberta) in the late 1800s, early 1900s, they were a very small population," Al-Henedy said.
They invited locals to eat with them during Ramadan and eventually, with help from a local Ukrainian builder and Edmonton's mayor, constructed the country's first mosque, Al-Henedy said.
The original Al Rashid Mosque opened its doors in 1938. The original structure was relocated to the heritage village Fort Edmonton Park.
"The women … really led the efforts back then when they were starting to build the first mosque … and that created an opportunity for interfaith exchange," Al-Henedy said.
"We are very proud of that story," she added. "(A Taste of Ramadan) is really just building on that legacy."
The population of Edmonton Muslims bubbled to about 100,000 in recent years, and more traditions have been brought to Canada since, said Al-Henedy.
Several mosques in Edmonton broadcast a call to prayer on speakers at sunset during Ramadan, the sound cascading through nearby neighbourhoods.
Known as the "Athaan" or "Azaan," the prayer is usually heard throughout Muslim countries five times a day and invites congregants to not only pray but join their community in goodness.
In Edmonton and other Canadian cities, the Azaan was prohibited under noise bylaws until 2021, when exceptions were made during Ramadan.
While immigrant Muslims are familiar with the practice, many youth have never experienced it.
"It's like a (throwback) experience for people who maybe grew up in Muslim countries that are hearing the Azaan, and they're like, 'Oh, my God, this is reminding me of back home,'" Al-Henedy said.
"It's really helped the Muslim community carry forth the pride in our faith, what we've built for ourselves here in Canada and really help us be very unapologetic about who we are."
Increased security and busy parking lots also remain a staple of Ramadan in Canada, says the executive director of the Canadian Council of Imams.
"There's of course haters, Islamophobes who don't like the presence of Muslims, that are a primary threat, and can sometimes create challenges. So it's very common now for most major mosques to hire private security to protect the congregants," said Sikander Hashmi in Ottawa.
Hashmi said there have been reports across Canada of people trying to drive vehicles into crowds, uttering racial slurs, tossing stones through windows, and in some cases injuring congregants during Ramadan.
"At mosques across the country, there's definitely been a lot of investments in security infrastructure, especially with federal and provincial funding, in recent years," he said.
Back in Edmonton, the city is also celebrating the month and lighting up its landmark High Level Bridge on March 20 for Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan.
"These actions reflect the city’s commitment to recognizing the diversity of Edmonton and supporting meaningful connections with the communities we serve," city spokeswoman Rae Thygesen said in a statement.
Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Noor Al-Helendy
