‘A sense of joy, a sense of anticipation’ for P.E.I. Muslims ready to celebrate Ramadan together

As Island Muslims gear as much as have a good time Ramadan, this yr brings with it two additional causes to have a good time. 

The group will be capable to collect in individual for the primary time in two years, one thing that hasn’t been potential as a result of COVID-19. The arrival of the holy month of Ramadan additionally coincides with the completion of a large enlargement to Charlottetown’s mosque, which almost doubles its capability. 

“There is a sense of pleasure, a way of anticipation,” stated Zain Esseghaier, a spokesperson for the Muslim Society of P.E.I.

“Persons are enthusiastic about this, that we’ll be going again to the mosque. Inside sure limits, after all, as a result of the pandemic continues to be ongoing. However there is a slight sense of reduction, if you happen to can name it that, that issues are slowly going again to regular.”

For 2 years now, “regular” has been discovering methods to worship and join remotely. In 2020, COVID-19 made the same old potluck dinners and nightly prayers on the Masjid Dar As-Salam mosque in Charlottetown not possible.

“COVID affected everyone,” stated Najam Chishti, president of the Muslim Society of P.E.I.  

Again in 2020, Chishti labored with a small group to arrange meals throughout Ramadan, pack them up individually and set them up on a desk open air for decide up. 

“It was awkward, however that was one of the simplest ways to do it as a result of we needed to maintain the six-feet distance and we could not permit anyone to return residence and take them. In order that was troublesome, however we managed.”

This yr, with the mosque allowed 75 per cent of its capability of almost 325 people, Chishti is hopeful 150 to 200 folks might be there each day for prayers. They usually’ll be beginning small with the communal meals, initially permitting simply 25 to 30 folks at a time — already an enchancment over the earlier two years.

“We’re excited that the pandemic is hopefully over and you’ll simply mingle round and break the quick collectively,” stated Chishti. 

‘Good timing’

Including to the thrill is the current completion of a $400,000 enlargement on the mosque, including area on each flooring. As soon as restrictions on gathering limits are lifted, about 325 folks will be capable to collect within the prayer room.

There can even be area within the basement for occasions — prepared simply in time for Ramadan.

“Good timing,” stated Esseghaier, who stated Ramadan is not nearly fasting, prayer and reflection — it is about group. 

“It is extremely necessary as a result of it is actually purported to be about social gathering similtaneously a religious gathering. The sense of group can be actually crucial for many members, if not all members, of the group.”

He stated lifting restrictions can even permit P.E.I. Muslims to concentrate on one other necessary side of Ramadan: charity.

Neighborhood members might be amassing non-perishable meals objects, and assembling 15-20 meals baskets weekly to distribute to native households in want. And along with prayers, the mosque might be providing nightly readings from the Quran, with the aim of studying it from cowl to cowl over the month of Ramadan.

There are additionally plans to extend programming and Islamic schooling for kids, with extra space now within the basement. 

“It is an thrilling time for the group,” stated Esseghaier. “Perhaps we will even speak about renewal in that sense, since we’ve got gone by means of two years of a dormant state. 

“Hopefully we’ll have even higher instances for the group within the years to return, and the months to return.” 

Esseghier stated anyone is welcome to affix and have a good time Ramadan on the Masjid Dar As-Salam mosque in Charlottetown.