Ramadan brings time of reflection
Many Muslims will follow Edmonton sun cycles, says president of Yk Islamic Centre
Joseph Tunney
Northern News Services
Friday, June 10, 2016
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Ramadan began as of sunset Sunday evening and for many Yellowknife Muslims this marks a time for inner reflection.
Nazim Awan, president of the Islamic Centre, said observing Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. - Joseph Tunney/NNSL photo |
"It's a spiritual experience," said Nazim Awan, president of the Islamic Centre of Yellowknife. "To increase one's relation to the God, purify and be a better person, a better Muslim."
Awan describes Ramadan as one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith that all Muslims must follow. During the month, Muslims will fast during the day to clean both the soul and body and forgive minor sins.
There are two reasons for the fasting process which happens during this time - it helps Muslims to understand the hunger of others and it solidifies their relationship with God.
The fast typically happens between the sunrises and sunsets of each day of the month. However, according to Awan, there are alternatives for places like Yellowknife, where the sun never really sets during the month of June.
Muslims can either follow the solar cycles of wherever they are, a nearby city or Mecca.
If the local sun cycle is too straining, Awan said the best approach to choosing a method is by picking the easiest.
Because of the long days in Yellowknife, much of the community here follows the Edmonton sunsets and sunrises. Some however have chosen to follow Mecca or the cycles of other places.
"Anybody who follows any of these options is OK," Awan said.
There are also some additional evening prayers some Muslims may choose to recite as well.
He said the main point of observing Ramadan is to become a better person.
"Before the completion of the 30th day, they have to do charity," said Awan. "Which is generally in Canada and the U.S., $10 per family (member)."
He said this is compulsory.
"If a baby is born on that day, you have to pay the charity," he said.
Awan said if there are guests in staying at a house, the host must pay for the charity for them. And for the fast to count, Muslims must remain modest. If they continue to sin and are not focused on helping others, it does not count.
"You have to stop any bad action against your fellow citizens," he said.
Ramadan follows the Islamic calendar and ends after 30 days, which is July 5 this year. After it ends Eid begins, which is a celebration of breaking the fast.
Whether or not someone is fasting is a private matter between the individual and God.
"Only the person whose fasting knows whether he's fasting or not," said Awan.
