Muslims observe Ramadan in Iqaluit

Laughter, food, conversation and prayer filled Iqaluit’s mosque at dusk on Saturday as close to 100 members of the Muslim community gathered to observe Ramadan.

Imam Hafiz Ilyas speaks to members of the Iqaluit Masjid, or mosque, during Ramadan observations on Saturday. (Photo by Daron Letts)

“I feel so happy that a lot of community members came,” said Meral Jamal, who volunteers with the mosque’s food bank and participated in the ceremony, following the evening prayer.

Ramadan, which marks the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, began Feb. 18 and continues until March 19.

Throughout this sacred time, Muslims refrain from eating food during daylight hours. The tradition is meant to cultivate self-control, gratitude and compassion for those less fortunate.

Leading the ceremonies was Imam Hafiz Ilyas.

The spiritual leader is visiting from Saskatoon as a guest of the Islamic Society of Nunavut. It is the second year that he has come north to lead prayers during the holy month.

Citing the word of the Muslim prophet Mohammed, Ilyas describes the message of Ramadan as “deeply human.”

“It calls for compassion in society, harmony in relationships, and sincerity in faith,” he said.

“At its heart, it teaches that a peaceful society begins with small acts of generosity and sincere devotion — and that inner peace and eternal peace are connected to how we treat others.”

Muslims broke their fast at sundown with iftar, a meal that began with dates, watermelon and water. That was followed by Maghrib, the evening prayer. After that, the rest of the feast was served while families mingled.

“Whenever we come together, we love food and then we start socializing,” said Wasi Abdur Rahman, one of the teens who attended.

Meals during Ramadan are often potluck affairs, but on Saturday the men prepared and served all the food, freeing up the women to enjoy the weekend.

Dishes included chicken curry, kebabs, samosas, salads with spiced dressings, and the mainstay of many a feast at the mosque — pulao, or goat with rice.

The menu was as diverse as the mosque’s membership, which includes people who immigrated to Nunavut from around the world, representing more than 20 countries of origin throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

Children made themselves seen and heard during all parts of the evening. Some prayed alongside their parents, others skipped rope, built Lego towers or simply found creative ways to make one another giggle.