Celebration

Ramadan in Islam is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar which is the lunar canendar. Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and worship. Muslims fast for thirty days from dawn to dusk. Every muslim country has its own traditions in Ramadan.

There is a big difference between Ramadan in Syria and in Canada. Because Canada is a non-Muslim country we can't feel Ramadan in the streets. We just feel it at the mosque or when our friends come to break the fast together. In downtown of the city I lived in Syria , the people would run to buy some food, such as Ramadan bread or Ramadan special drinks just before it was time to break the fast. At iftar time (which is the time to eat), the streets became very empty. Everyone stayed home until Isha athan (evening call to prayer).

After thirty days of fasting, Muslims celebrate the ending of the holy month on the first day of Shawwal. They name this celebration Eid. There is also a difference between Eid in Syria and in Canada. In Syria, men and boys go to Eid prayer. Then the relatives start to visit each other. For example, young people go to visit their elderly relatives. In Canada, all the muslim community-- men and women, boys and girls go to Eid prayer to feel the happiness of Eid.

Despite the differences in Canada and Syria, everywhere in the world Ramadan and Eid mean peace , generosity and blessings.