Jason Teakle
BRANT NEWS

Local Muslims joined followers of Islam around the world by celebrating the completion of the observance of Ramadan during a gathering at the Brantford Mosque on Sunday morning.

“During Ramadan, we start fasting at dawn each day before sunrise and complete our fasting at sunset,” Sabih Uddin, president of the Brantford Mosque said. “It is meant for the pleasure of Allah and to purify our souls from our habits.

“During Ramadan, there is no eating, drinking, smoking, whatever it may be, (during daylight hours).”

For followers of Islam, Eid ul Fitr occurred on Sunday, marking the completion of fasts following the month-long observance of Ramadan.

About 500 people attended morning prayers, a sermon and refreshments during the celebration.

The observance of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and a time for recitation of the Holy Qur’an and increased offering of prayers.

According to the Qur’an, the Prophet Muhammad first received revelations in the lunar month of Ramadan. The annual religious observance occurs during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

Luqman Belle, a member of the Brantford Mosque, said Ramadan is about improving patience and discipline.

“Going 17 hours without eating or drinking teaches you discipline,” Belle said. “Ramadan is about the love for Allah. You are supposed to read the whole Qur’an during Ramadan, and for me, I beg Allah to keep me on the straight path.”

Belle said he feels like new life begins after the completion of the observance of Ramadan each year.

“I enjoy the brotherhood of breaking the fast together,” Belle said. “You can feel the love for each other.”

Mosque member Tajammul Yusuf said Ramadan is also a time to focus on good deeds and take care of the poor.

“We should exhibit this behaviour all through the year,” Yusuf said. “It is about the welfare of the community and having a focus on caring for the environment.”

A portion of donations collected at the mosque during the event will be donated to the Community Resource Service Food Bank.