Full-fledged Ramadan celebrations to go ahead after years of pandemic restrictions

Ramadan is getting closer—a month-long celebration to honour the holy Quran— and Muslims are preparing to gather together and pray in Mosques for the first time in three years.

“I’m very sure people will come because people have been kind of locked in their houses for two years now,” Atthar Mahmood, Vice-President of the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada said. “This year is the first year after two years we are able to come out and go anywhere and pray.”

WATCH: CityNews’ Taylor Braat reports on returning Ramadan celebrations after three years of COVID limitations

Ramadan begins on April 3, and a prayer will happen on April 2 as the moon becomes visible. That is when Muslims begin fasting during the daylight hours for the entire month and refrain from other pleasures.

“They cannot have anything to drink, eat, or any other bad things,” Mahmood said. “They cannot have a sexual relationship whatsoever.”

It is a tradition to symbolize purity. When it’s over—gatherings with friends, family, and most importantly, food—begin.

“It’s called Elidel Fitta—early morning prayers that will be held throughout the city,” Mahmood said. “After that there are a lot of celebrations, getting together, inviting your friends to your home and there are many gatherings held in community halls.”


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In the last two years, pandemic restrictions have prevented several gatherings, because most Mosques were closed, and if they were open, they were limited to about 15 people.

Ramadan is a time of giving, and gathering—Muslims pray five times a day, even outside of Ramadan.

Because the pandemic has separated the communities in their sacred tradition, Mahmood says this Ramadan will be very special, as people get back together once again.

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