FAITH+ REASON

hardly even get into the parking lot.”

The end of Ramadan will be marked with a day of communal prayer throughout the city, followed by private get-togethers where friends and family celebrate with a feast.

Before prayers begin, each head of a household is expected to make a charitable donation, called fitra, to a just cause on behalf of everyone in the home. This year’s amount is set at $9 a person.

Mahmood is encouraging followers to donate to a local charity such as the food bank, Mustard Seed or the Red Cross in Calgary. However, it is up to the individual to decide where that money goes.

Special evening prayers will take place across Calgary during the month at the following locations. All prayers will start at 11:05 p.m.: Don Hartman Sportsplex, 5206 68 St. N.E.; Green Dome Masjid, 4616 80 Ave. N.E.; Cardel Rec Centre, YMCA, 333 Shawville Blvd. S.E.; Symons Valley United Church, 38 Kincora Rise N.W.; Woodbine Community Centre, 1991 Woodview Dr. S.W.; St. Thomas United Church Rental Hall, 100 Hawkwood Blvd. N.W.; Airdrie United Church, 216 1 Ave. N.E.; Airdrie Mahogany Beach Lake Club, 29 Masters Park S.E.; South Health Campus, 4448 Front St. S.E.

Further information regarding confirmation of the moon sighting for Ramadan will be available on Tuesday evening by calling 403-708-1055 or by email at isbmahat@yahoo.com.