The Islamic holy month of Ramadan will begin this year on March 1, 2025, subject to the sighting of the crescent moon. For millions of Muslims across Canada, this month serves as a sacred time for reflection, devotion, and community.
At the heart of Ramadan is the practice of fasting, which is observed from dawn until sunset. Muslim adults abstain from eating or drinking anything, including water, during daylight hours. This rite is not only about refraining from physical sustenance but is also entrenched with moral and ethical abstentions, such as avoiding swearing and angering others. During this special month, individuals who are sick, pregnant, or elderly are often exempt from fasting.
“Ramadan is like Christmas for Muslims,” said Zareen Tasnim, a Calgary-based food influencer. “Along with fasting, the community makes time to volunteer for charities, gather at mosques, reflect, then eat some more.” The significance of this month goes beyond mere fasting; it embodies the spirit of gratitude and compassion, making it one of the most revered periods for Muslims.
This year, Ramadan is expected to end on either March 30 or 31, with the festive holiday of Eid al-Fitr marking the conclusion of the fasting month. It is traditionally celebrated with great joy, featuring feasts with family and friends.
While the customs of Ramadan may be familiar to Muslims, this year's experience may differ from those back home due to varying practices. Imran Kayesh, who immigrated from Bangladesh, warmly recalled how people gather at restaurants as early as 4 or 5 AM to enjoy pre-dawn meals. “You won’t realize you’re out at odd hours,” he reminisces, as he describes the smells of grilled chicken and fish filling the air.
Although the atmosphere may feel different, there is growing excitement as more restaurants across Canada are adapting to accommodate the needs of fasting Muslims. Many establishments are opting to extend their hours, with some offering late-night buffets to break the fast, featuring tantalizing dishes like kebabs, chicken tikka, and biryani. “It’s so exciting when different cultures also extend their hours, celebrating your culture with you,” Tasnim added, concerning this newfound culinary inclusion.
Wayne Smith, the director of the Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Research at Toronto Metropolitan University, indicates this trend stems from Canada’s increasingly vibrant immigrant demographic. “You’re starting to find halal food... more than you would have found 10 years ago,” he explained. This shift reflects not just the changing dietary preferences of the Muslim community but also the modifications made by the broader food industry to cater to customers working unconventional hours.
Many municipalities across Canada do not impose strict regulations on restaurant operating hours, which facilitates the increase of late-night meal offerings. Most halal-serving restaurants do not serve alcohol, which allows greater flexibility with hours. Finding staff to meet these demands poses challenges, yet many restaurant owners adapt to meet the needs of their fasting customers.
“Given our society today, it actually just makes sense,” Smith concluded, noting how various workplaces and services have also had to adjust to accommodate the requirements of the community. Canadians who typically do not observe Ramadan also benefit becoming part of the experience, especially those working night shifts or remotely. They can savor the exquisite flavors of South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines at non-traditional hours.
Ramadan 2025 is expected to transform Canadian cities, reinvigorate local businesses, and strengthen cultural bonds. Tasnim affirms, “My favorite part is spending time with family and friends who I don’t get to see often throughout the year.” Community events, Iftars, and lectures are organized to bring people together, proving once more how Ramadan is not just about fasting, but about fostering connections and enhancing communal solidarity.
These observations and experiences remind us of the rich diversity of Muslim cultures woven throughout Canadian society. Ramadan serves as more than just a personal commitment; it is also an opportunity for education, outreach, and unity amid Canada's multicultural fabric.