Hello and Assalamualaikum (peace be upon you) Friends! 

Ramadan Mubarak to all those celebrating today or tomorrow! Just like last year, the next month of Ramadan will look quite different once again. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the month of Ramadan, it is a month where Muslims around the world take time to reflect, give back to their community and fast during the day, abstaining from eating and drinking in addition to abstaining from swearing, gossiping, arguing etc.

Muslims will begin their fast just before sunrise with a meal called “sehri or suhoor” which loosely translates to a meal that is eaten early in the morning, and fasting ends just after sunset, with a meal called “iftaar”. This is a time for blessings, and is a month that many Muslims really look forward to as it is a time to spend with loved ones, give back to the community and other charitable causes, and eat lots of delicious meals! 

Though we won’t gather for our big Iftaar parties with our friends and family this year, be able to go to the Mosque for Friday prayers, or attend all the Melas last minute to purchase our best Eid outfits just days before… it doesn’t mean we can’t find ways to connect with our community!

Here are some ways I’ll be staying connected and prioritizing self care, and you can too:

• Connect With a Local or (Global!) Mosque

Many mosques are finding safe ways to keep connected and support their community during this month. Connecting with your local mosque might spark ideas for you and your family about how to feel closer to community during this time. Many mosques hold great opportunities to stay connected whether that’s having a virtual iftaar party, a drive-thru pick up of your iftaar meals, social events and so much more. Look to your local mosque to see how you can get connected, or why not try something new, and connect virtually with a mosque globally! Scroll down below and see some mosques and organizations that are hosting amazing virtual events this Ramadan. 

• Find New Ways to Connect With Friends and Family

Gathering with friends and family is a special and important part of Ramadan for many and it is natural to experience feelings of sadness or grief over not being able to gather this year. Collaborate with close friends and family on different ways you can safely connect this year through Zoom or FaceTime calls, to still feel close to loved ones during this time. I know I’ll definitely be hosting a virtual Iftaar party with my friends and family! 

• Give Back to the Community 

Ramadan is a time to give back to the community and other charitable causes! For myself personally giving back is very important as it gives me a great sense of motivation, and encourages me to find new initiatives that I can support in my community. Every Ramadan, I try to find different organizations to donate to, volunteer my time for, or support in any way I can. This helps me to stay connected, and support community initiatives which is an important aspect of Ramadan. 

• Balance Between Rest & Action 

Fasting can also bring about changes to your energy levels and for some that might mean needing to take more moments of rest. Others might want and enjoy getting active and getting outdoors (safely). Take a few moments in your day to check-in on what you need. These moments can be great acts of self-care.

• Communicate Your Needs 

For many the month of Ramadan can bring changes to your daily schedules and routines. As it feels comfortable, communicate your needs with those around you. For some that might be moving your lunch hour to accommodate for time for prayer, for others that might be starting your workday a bit earlier or later. Communicate what feels best for you and your needs.

Looking to learn more? Here is another great resource from Fahmida Kamali on how to support Muslim communities during the month of Ramadan.

There are so many incredible initiatives and organizations to support that continue to do great work for the community not just during Ramadan, but throughout the year. Below you will find just a few places that are offering virtual programming to stay connected! 

• Naseeha Muslim Youth Helpline – Provide a safe zone for youth and individuals to talk and get the help they need. 
• Who Is Hussain Toronto –  A social justice movement with teams in 90 cities across the globe. They host regular events to help the homeless, provide meals to people in need and donate blood to save lives – and much more.
• Nisa Homes –  a non-government, not-for-profit charitable organization that provides a safe haven and support services to women, children and families who are experiencing homelessness and/or domestic and family violence, poverty or seeking asylum.
• Reconstructed Magazine – A creative Magazine run by Black, Shi’a, and queer Muslims seeking to reconstruct what it looks like to carry closeness to Islam. 
• Masjid al-Rabia – a BIPOC led, LGBTQ+ affirming, and racially accessible Islamic Community Centre focused on spiritual support for marginalized Muslims. 
• The Muslim Alliance for Sexual & Gender Diversity – Works to support, empower, and connect LGBTW Muslims. 
• Khalil Centre – A psychological and spiritual community wellness center advancing the professional practice of psychology rooted in Islamic principles.

Please note: The descriptions mentioned above have been taken directly from the website/social pages of these organizations, initiatives, and mosques and you can find out more about them by clicking on the links above. 

Fizza Abbas, Network Coordinator