Canadian celebration of Ramadan is a strong indication of its unbiased approach toward the newcomers arriving in Canada. The country emphasizes celebrating all kinds of festivities, considering the various religions prevailing here. Not only does it understand the significance of diversity, but it executes it by bringing together all belief systems of the newcomers regardless of their background.
Canada stands tall and proud in its multiculturalism and embraces all types of religions in their true essence. The Multiculturalism Act prevails in Canada and makes it evident that individuals, irrespective of their immigration status, have the right to stand firm in their belief systems.
The 2021 Census data, per Statistics Canada, also claims that Islam is the second most prominent religion in Canada. Further, the Census even revealed that Muslims living in Canada have risen in number between 2001 and 2021. Their population growth is evident from 2 percent to 4.9 percent. Moreover, the percentage accounts for around 1.8 million individuals.
Also, the data credits immigration to be the chief reason behind this drastic Muslim population growth. Canada’s overall population accounts for a quarter of immigrants only per the 2021 to 2021 data. The Muslim population equals 18.9 immigrants, most of whom reside in Ontario, with 6.7 percent of the Islamic population.
Canadian celebration of Ramadan- a beginning
Muslims get Ramadan as a religious holiday, marking the Calendar (Lunar) as the ninth day. Based on a person’s location, it might fall on either March 22 or 23 for this year and April 22. Ramadan denotes a blend of charity, prayer, reflection, and fasting, marking its end on Eid. In the entire Islamic year, the Ramadan holidays hold the utmost significance.
Numerous prominent business leaders, along with senior political figures, begin Ramadan in their unique style. They do so through official statements and even host Iftars to complete the fast. Typically, the Canadian Prime Minister also vocalizes his expressions on Ramadan and reiterates the historical significance of Islamic contributions so far.
The tradition of the Northern Canadians
Ramadan usually moves forward by twelve days and extends to 29 or 30 days depending upon the year. The past few years have shifted Ramadan winter’s prolonged nights into summers or spring when the days grow longer. This shift implies that Northern community people would need to wait a lot until the sun sets and just a shorter duration before it rises yet again. In 2023, Muslims experiencing Ramadan in Toronto might have to fast for more than 13 hours a day for the entire of April. On the other hand, those in Whitehorse will need to wait between their meals for around 15 hours toward the latter part of April.
Canadian celebration of Ramadan- exploring more ways to celebrate
Ramadan comprises various ways to express and mark its celebration. For instance, Zakat is solely a monetary way of celebrating it in which one can offer money to the underprivileged. Furthermore, those with a certain high-income level would donate a part of it as charity. Additionally, during Ramadan, the organizations associated with charitable work will conduct events and Iftar meetings. These events and meetings will eventually help them raise money for charity for the underprivileged Muslim community.
These kinds of initiatives will take place in Canada as well as overseas. Massive and reputed cities like Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver comprise at least 20 mosques. Those Muslims who follow the Ramadan rituals usually pray at least five times a day throughout the year; further, some Muslims even follow more profound practices like reading the Tarawih daily. This Tarawih implies that the person reads a few portions of the Quran every single day. They might do so either at their homes or at the mosques.
Celebrating Eid
Ramadan marks its end with the Eid-ul-Fitr, and on this day, people traditionally adorn new clothes and offer their prayers at the mosques. The day further revolves around meeting acquaintances and having great delicious food. Typically, people at their homes serve sweets, baklava, and dates as well. This is how they traditionally welcome their guests, depending upon their individual styles.
