Spending Ramadan in Calgary is a unique and enriching experience, blending the spiritual traditions of Islam with the multicultural aspects of this vibrant Canadian city.
As the Muslim community observes the holy month, Calgary comes alive with a sense of unity, reflection, and generosity. From dawn till dusk, Muslims in Calgary fast, pray, and engage in acts of charity, creating a rich atmosphere of cultural and religious practices.
Let’s delve deeper into what it is like to spend Ramadan in Calgary and explore the essence of this sacred month within the local context.
Ramadan in Calgary
Ramadan in Calgary, Canada, offers a unique experience due to the multicultural and diverse community in the city. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar and it is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting. Ramadan in Calgary takes on a special significance with over 100,000 Muslims residing in the city. This diverse community comes together during this sacred month to observe fasting, engage in prayer, and participate in various communal activities
Calgary is home to a large Muslim population, with mosques and Islamic centers spread throughout the city. During Ramadan, these places of worship come alive with nightly prayers, Quran recitations, and community iftars (breaking of the fast). The sense of unity and solidarity among Muslims in Calgary during this month is truly special.
Suhoor & Iftar Experience in Calgary
Starting with Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins, is an essential part of Ramadan. In the quiet hours of the early morning, families and individuals wake up to partake in this significant ritual. The suhoor time in Calgary begins late in the night and the suhoor meal is consumed before the break of dawn. The time of suhoor is scheduled according to the time of year and varies throughout the month of Ramadan due to changes in day length. Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the timing of Ramadan shifts by approximately ten days each year.
On the other hand, iftar, the meal to break the fast at sunset, holds its own significance in Ramadan. As the sun sets over the horizon, signaling the end of the day’s fast, families and communities eagerly gather to break their fast together in Calgary.
In Calgary, the iftar experience is characterized by a sense of anticipation and unity. Mosques, community centers, and homes open their doors to welcome everyone, regardless of background or belief, to share in the blessings of iftar.
The iftar spread is often lavish, featuring a variety of dishes that cater to diverse tastes and cultural preferences. Iftar buffets are offered by different restaurants and eating establishments at reasonable prices so that the residents can enjoy their Ramadan.
Taraweeh Prayers in Calgary
Taraweeh is a prayer and is also a Sunnah that is performed during the month of Ramadan. It is prayed after the Isha prayer and before the Witr prayer. The purpose of this prayer is to seek Allah’s blessing and rewards.
Calgary is home to a large Muslim population, with mosques and Islamic centers spread throughout the city. During Ramadan, these places of worship come alive with nightly prayers, Quran recitations, and community iftars (breaking of the fast). The sense of unity and solidarity among Muslims in Calgary during this month is truly special.
Taraweeh prayers in Calgary are performed at two spots:
- Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) at MAC Islamic School
- Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) at Al-Salam Centre
Muslims living in Canada move to these two spots to observe the Traveeh prayer in Calgary.
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Final Thoughts
Ramadan is a holy month observed by Muslims around the world, during which they fast from dawn to dusk and engage in prayer and reflection. Spending Ramadan in Calgary, Canada, offers a unique experience due to the multicultural and diverse community in the city.
Additionally, Calgary’s diverse culinary scene offers a wide range of halal restaurants and markets where Muslims can find traditional foods to break their fast with. This allows for a taste of home for those who may be far away from their families during Ramadan.
Moreover, the city’s beautiful parks and outdoor spaces provide a peaceful environment for Muslims to engage in personal reflection and prayer. The serene surroundings of Calgary can enhance the spiritual experience of Ramadan for those observing the month.
In conclusion, spending Ramadan in Calgary offers a unique and enriching experience for Muslims. The sense of community, diverse culinary options, and serene surroundings make it a special place to observe this holy month.