Muslims in Ottawa mark Ramadan
Muslims in Ottawa and around the world began fasting this week, marking the holy month of Ramadan.
Imam Luqman Ahmed led Friday prayer at the Baitun Naseer Mosque in Cumberland.
"Ramadan is basically the fasting in the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims," Imam Ahmed told CTV News Ottawa. "It’s one of the five fundamental, or the most basic practices in the religion of Islam."
Fasting for 30 days, Muslims will refrain from eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset.
"While Muslims are fasting, they concentrate more on worship of God, their connection with God, as well as connecting and serving fellow human beings."
Ahmed says charity is an important component of the month, “Because, as we ourselves are staying hungry, one of the aims of that is that we feel the hunger and the difficulties other people go through."
WHAT DOES RAMADAN MEAN TO YOU?
"It is a process to become a better person, and I think both spiritually and physically, I make all the efforts to come out as a better person at the end of Ramadan," says Selim Khan, who attended Friday prayers.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Baitun Naseer Mosque opens its doors to members, as well as inviting the entire community to gather, share a meal and attend programming.
"I enjoy it very much, my kids as well - joining the programs, listening to the commentary of the holy Quran and also breaking fast together with all the members of the community," Khan said.
"At the end of the day, when you sit around the table, with a food at the table you finally get to enjoy that food. You really feel how lucky you are to have it," says Samar Naveed.
"It’s a way to connect to everybody, and see how everybody is doing. It’s really a busy time of year for us; our Mosque is really full with people and it’s the best time, really," says Abdul Chaudhry, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama' at Ottawa East Local President.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the joyous Eid Al-Fitr Holiday, when children often receive gifts.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.