Ramadan

Ramadan History

Ramadan is the holy month for Muslims worldwide, this month-long celebration involves fasting, prayer, reflection, and communal gatherings. It's viewed as a time of spiritual development and personal growth, encouraging individuals to focus on positivity and purify their thoughts and actions. Although fasting is a crucial observance, Ramadan also emphasizes charitable giving, family bonding, and community outreach. These activities are seen as an affirmation of unity, humanity, and a shared obligation for the welfare of others.

The observance of Ramadan developed over centuries, dating back to the 7th century CE when the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have received the first revelations of the Quran. In Canada, Ramadan holds special significance for the more than one million Muslims residing in the country. Perfectly aligned with the Canadian values of diversity, tolerance, and inclusivity, the month is recognized and respected by people of all faith backgrounds. Various aspects of Ramadan, such as communal Iftars (breaking of the fast), charity fundraisers, and interfaith events enhance multiculturalism and mutual understanding among the broader Canadian society.

Each year, the observance of Ramadan in Canada takes place in harmony with the broader community. The diverse Muslim Canadian community, composed of various ethnicities and cultures, adds a distinct flavor to the Ramadan celebration. Mosques organize daily Iftars, Quran recitation sessions, and special night prayers. In the diverse settings of Canada, a specific date for the beginning of Ramadan is determined based on the lunar calendar and the sighting of the new moon. The methods and calculations may vary among different communities, but everyone collectively observes the month with sincerity and devotion.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Ramadan (Begins) in Canada

• The transition to Daylight Saving Time on March 8, 2026, will cause a significant one-hour shift in the timing of evening Iftar and morning Suhoor for the majority of observers across Canada.
• The Ramadan Expo 2026 at the International Centre in Mississauga serves as one of North America's largest gatherings for modest fashion, halal cuisine, and community preparation.
• Many Canadian families participate in local creative initiatives such as the Ramadan Decoration Contest in Ottawa, which encourages youth to design festive spaces in their homes using traditional lanterns and Islamic motifs.
• For the year 2026, the recommended Zakat al-Fitr—a mandatory charitable contribution for those with the means—is expected to be approximately $15 CAD per person to support vulnerable populations both locally and abroad.
• Digital storytelling projects like Tell a Ramadan Story offer a platform for diverse Muslim voices in Ontario and beyond to share their personal reflections on faith and community through online collectives.
• Significant regional festivals, such as Ramadan Fest BC in Surrey, draw tens of thousands of visitors to experience live cooking, nighttime prayers, and cultural displays.
• Due to the vast geography of Canada, fasting durations can vary significantly between southern cities and northern territories, with observers in places like Whitehorse often facing longer daylight hours than those in the Greater Toronto Area.
• The Hilal Council of Canada and the Council of Imams play a central role in providing unified guidance on the start of the month by coordinating astronomical data with local moon sightings.
• Under Canadian human rights legislation, employees and students are entitled to reasonable religious accommodations, which frequently leads to discussions regarding flexible work hours or designated prayer spaces during the month.
• The final ten nights of the observance are marked by intense spiritual devotion as communities seek Laylat al-Qadr, often referred to as the Night of Power, which is traditionally believed to be the time when the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Ramadan

Top things to do in Canada for Ramadan

• The fast is usually broken in a family setting, where traditional foods are served. Most Muslims begin their meal with a few dates and a glass of milk because the Prophet Muhammad used to do the same. The high sugar content of the dates sends energy to weary fasting Muslim, while the fiber in the dates and the protein in the milk fills them up and prevents nausea.
• During Ramadan, Muslims congregate every night in the mosque to pray Taraweeh prayers in congregation. In the United States, in between sets of prayers, the Imam gives a brief sermon and encourages people to give to charity.
• Visit the Baitun Nur Mosque in Calgary: It is one of the largest mosques in Canada where special events centered around Ramadan take place, such as traditional Iftars (meal to break the fast) and special night prayers (Taraweeh).
• Read a book to learn more about Ramadan in Canada:
  Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting - by Ausma Zehanat Khan
  Celebrating Ramadan - by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith
  Muslims in Canada: A Question of Identity - by Reg Whitaker