As Muslim Canadians welcome the arrival of Ramadan at sunset at this time, some say the festivities and pleasure that often accompany the holy month will likely be absent this yr as many mourn the lack of life and continued struggling in Gaza.
For Reem Sultan and her household in London, Ont., the month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, prayer and household gathering will look very totally different this yr.
Sultan says she and her neighborhood are reckoning with grief, anger and profound unhappiness because the loss of life toll from the most recent warfare between Israel and Hamas continues to rise in Gaza.
Sultan says the decorations and brilliant lights she usually places up round her house will keep down this yr, and her household received’t be breaking their quick with the standard desserts and treats she often makes.
As Sultan and her household fear about Gazans with out entry to meals, she will likely be earmarking the cash saved on celebratory meals and decorations for iftar, the standard meal shared after fasting, to ship to kinfolk and associates in Gaza.
For Sultan and her household, the main focus of prayers this month will likely be for an finish to the violence and an pressing ceasefire.
“This isn’t festive and we are able to’t be comfortable. We will’t be joyful once we are watching our kinfolk and brothers and sisters in religion being murdered day in and time out,” she mentioned.
