Over 3.2% of Canada’s population belong to the Islamic faith, which means that over 1 million have already immigrated to Canada to join its Muslim expat community. As Muslim people enter the first week of Ramadan, many will be facing challenges as COVID-19 lockdown continues in Canada. Although many will not be able to go to mosque for prayer or eat suhoor (meal before dawn) and iftar (meal at dusk) with their family members, many have chosen to see it as a test of their faith more than anything else.

Many Canadian Muslims are also using this opportunity to give back. Various Islamic charity groups have stepped up to make a difference in the lives of all Canadians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of their race or religion.

According to CBC News, Penny Appeal Canada in Toronto has donated over 4,000 relief kits to help families during these trying times, while Imam Sayyid Rizvi’s mosque (Jaffari Community centre) donated $25,000 in personal protective equipment (PPE) to aid Canadian hospitals.

Canadian Islamic business owners are also doing their part to help frontline workers. Fredericton local restaurateur, Naz Ali, has taken to preparing and offering delivery from a special Covid menu from his Caribbean Flavas restaurant to anyone in need. These are just some of the many acts of kindness that the Canadian Muslim expat community continue to exhibit daily during the holy month of Ramadan.

Source: MDC Canada