Some people's idea of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is a few weeks where the faithful can't eat during daylight hours.
On Saturday night, Ottawa's Muslim community welcomed people of all religions to the third annual Harmony Iftar Dinner in south Ottawa, hoping to educate them on some of Ramadan's other aspects.
"We realized the general public (doesn't) know about Ramandan besides fasting," said Mona Abow. "We invite them to dinner so they can learn."
"It bridges the gap between communities," said Hoda Ahmod. "A level of understanding will come between different religious groups."
The month also involves faithful reflection, acts of generosity and abstaining from negative thoughts and actions.
"I learned a lot about fasting, rituals, significance of Ramadan," said Jeannie Page.
The food aspect is still a large part of Ramadan, with a traditional meal of samosas, rice and dates served at this dinner.
"You experience what other hungry people experience everyday," Abow said. "But you have food at the end of the day . . . they don't."
his year, Ramadan ends on August 31.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Stefanie Masotti
