This Ramadan finds us much better prepared

Online events to bring the community together are proliferating, more people are decorating their homes

Muslims around the world are celebrating their second Ramadan amid this pandemic. The 30 days of fasting from sunrise to sunset began earlier this week and will last until mid-may.

Montreal's Muslim community is doing its best to make the most of this vital time of year, despite being in the third wave of COVID-19 and faced with a curfew that is now back at 8 p.m. One way is by taking more events online and using technology to bring the community together at a time when so many are feeling isolated and alone. Last Ramadan, the general sentiment was that the pandemic would soon be over, and that we would just ride it out as individuals or as households. This year, there is a much greater focus on gathering, virtually, as a community once again. Muslim organizations have been proactive about creating online events. For example, Hilm is organizing virtual iftars every Saturday where the community can gather on Zoom, then break their fasts in their own homes.

And even those who pre-pandemic would not be big on decorating their homes recognize the importance of embracing the festive spirit now; we can all use a little more sunshine. Pandemic or not, there was an excitement in the air as we deep-cleaned and decorated the house in the days leading up to Ramadan, stocked up on our favourite foods and started making meal plans for suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) and iftar (the meal eaten after the sun sets).

Fasting not only benefits the ones who fast, but it also benefits others.

Some things don't change. The limited amount of meals the Ramadan schedule permits means paying particular attention to the quality of the foods we consume, their vitamins and minerals. Given that Muslims abstain from drinking even water (a question we are often asked), during the hours when eating is permitted it is important to hydrate as creatively as possible with juicy fruits, soups and drinks. While the common assumption is that we must gorge after fasting all day long, the reality is far from it. Eating too quickly or too much will only lead to discomfort and sluggishness.

Sacrificing food and drink has tremendous health benefits; anyone who practises intermittent fasting can attest to this. But there are so many unexpected benefits as well. It takes discipline to complete a fast, from going to sleep early enough to wake up in time to have a hearty breakfast before dawn, to focusing on mental acuity to remain productive during the day.

It's essential to bear in mind, though, that fasting is not required for those who are sick, pregnant, nursing, very young or very old.

Fasting not only benefits the ones who fast, but it also benefits others. There is a special emphasis on giving a lot of charity during Ramadan, particularly to organizations that help alleviate food scarcity for others. It becomes easier to empathize with the plight of those who face real hunger constantly when we fast. Let's face it, when the sun sets, most of us know that not only that we will enjoy a meal, but more often than not, one containing all the foods we were craving during the day. Many people are living with the same hunger who do not have that certainty. Fasting encourages us to provide either food or the means to get it to those people.

While we ride out this most recent wave of the pandemic and witness the toll it has taken on us all, let's remember those who cannot make ends meet. Let's remember those who are unemployed, who are homeless and, especially, those who are fleeing domestic abuse. Times are tough all around and fasting or not, we can all use this opportunity to show a little more compassion to those who need it the most.