Hon. Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia: Honourable senators, this past Wednesday marked the beginning of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims in Canada and around the world. Ramadan is a time for prayer, spiritual introspection, reconnecting with loved ones and giving back to your community. The traditions of Ramadan honour the values at the heart of Islam, like benevolence, generosity, peace and service to others.

Ramadan reminds us of the essential importance of caring for one another, despite our differences. During Ramadan, Muslim families and friends fast during the daytime and break their fast in the evening with an iftar. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. These pillars, or duties, form the basis of how Muslims practise their religion.

Honourable senators, this evening I have the honour of co‑hosting an iftar dinner in the Senate foyer with His Excellency Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Canada, at 7 p.m., with the breaking of the fast beginning at 7:25 sharp as the sun sets. I sincerely hope that you will consider joining us for an authentic Ramadan meal.

For all those who are observing the sacred month in my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond, I’m wishing you all a blessed and peaceful Ramadan. On behalf of my fellow Muslim senators — Senators Ataullahjan, Jaffer, Yussuff and Gerba — and, in fact, on behalf of all of us in this chamber, I would like to wish all observants a Ramadan Mubarak! Thank you. Meegwetch.

Hon. Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia: Honourable senators, yesterday marked the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, also called the “Festival of Breaking Fast,” celebrating the end of the sacred month of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims in Canada and around the world. I had the privilege of celebrating with my two sisters, Aisha and Nurjah, who graciously hosted me at their home in Aurora, Ontario, this past weekend.

Colleagues, Ramadan is a time for prayer, spiritual introspection and reconnecting with loved ones. It is a time for giving back to your community. It is also an opportunity to celebrate Muslim communities and the important contributions they have made, and continue to make, within and beyond Canada.

In my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial University’s Muslim Students’ Association helped to ensure that all students who were observing this sacred month were able to do so with ease. The association, which is supported exclusively by donations and dedicated volunteers, organized daily prayers for brothers and sisters at the MUN chapel and facilitated iftar dinners on campus, which were attended by more than 200 students every day, both Muslim and non-Muslim.

I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank the students who have been instrumental in ensuring that these sacred traditions continue for the students of Newfoundland and Labrador, including Akheel Mohammed, Raiyan Rahman, Jannath Naveed, Muhammad Patel, S. M. Fahim and Mohammed Shakeel. Islam is a faith that embraces the ideals of peace, benevolence and generosity of spirit. They have exemplified these fundamental principles.

Muslims in my province are part of a broad interfaith coalition that works towards community-wide efforts to help those in need. Collaboration and education help to strengthen the bonds of community amongst those of different faiths and traditions and to eradicate any preconceptions based on misunderstanding.

For all those who observed this sacred month, I hope you had a blessed and peaceful Ramadan. On behalf of my fellow Muslim senators — Senators Ataullahjan, Jaffer, Gerba and Yussuff — and, colleagues, on behalf of all of you, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all celebrants Eid Mubarak.

Thank you, meegwetch.

[Translation]