To those unfamiliar with Islam and the Muslim faith, the idea of fasting from dawn to dusk for the holy month of Ramadan can seem like an arduous task.
But Sh Ayman El Najjar, the Imam of the Masjid Al-Hidayah mosque in Port Coquitlam, said abstaining from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse during daylight hours for 30 days is welcomed by most Muslims.
For members of the Islamic faith, he said, it is a time to show obedience to God, while strengthening one's will and learning to control temptations.
It also teaches people empathy for those in parts of the world where food and water is not in abundant supply, he said.
"Most people are living the selfish life," he said in the library of the Kingsway Avenue temple. "Ramadan teaches that it is not all about you, it is about other people."
Activities at the mosque have also begun to pickup since Ramadan began on Monday. Each night, after the sun goes down, Muslims from across the Lower Mainland converge on the Port Coquitlam temple to break their fast and participate in prayers.
Members of the mosque are made up of people from around the world and Najjar said every continent is represented at the evening meals.
"Doing it together brings a sense of unity," said Najjar. "We see people break the fast from all colours and all walks of life. It is beautiful."
Saad Bahr, president of the Islamic Society of B.C., which operates out of the PoCo mosque, said attendance varies at the evening events from around 50 to more than 300 on some nights.
Everyone gathers to break their fast before participating in the evening prayers, which last about two hours, he said.
"We are standing in prayer asking for forgiveness and purification," he said. "We show our faith in him to control our temptations."
Because the Islamic calendar is different from the Christian calendar by about 12 days, Ramadan moves back every year. This year the first day of Ramadan was on Aug. 1 and Bahr said that next summer the month will begin on July 20.
At the end of Ramadan, he said, Muslims participate in a large celebration called the Eid ul-Fitr to acknowledge the end of the holy month.
For more information about the Masjid Al Hidayah mosque and the Islamic Society of British Columbia go to www.islam-canada.com.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
