By Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
The arrival of Ramadan in Milton brings the community together in a blend of faith, culture, and unity. Local Muslim organizations and residents embrace the holy month with events that nourish both the body and foster interfaith understanding.
Giving back is a key theme of Ramadan. As Halton residents observe this holy month, communities in Milton and surrounding areas come together to celebrate fasting, prayer, and self-reflection.
For local resident Nusrat Qalandri, Ramadan is a time to strengthen bonds with family, friends, and neighbours.
“Throughout Ramadan, we offer food to our friends, relatives, and neighbours, and we have guests almost every Iftar dinner,” Qalandri said.
“So, there’s a lot of cooking in the afternoon until sunset.”
Like many others, Qalandri prepares a variety of dishes, including deep-fried items such as pakoras, kachuris, samosas, chicken rolls, and sweet treats like date pies and kheer.
In Halton, mosques and community centres are hosting Iftar meals, where people gather to break their fast after a day of abstaining from food and drink. The Islamic Community Centre of Milton (ICCM) is a hub of activity during the month.
“We’re really blessed to be in Canada and to celebrate our faith,” said Jamil Ghumman, a Milton resident who has attended the mosque for five years.
“We are truly blessed that our community supports our mosque.”
ICCM hosts Iftar dinners every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, featuring South Asian dishes and global cuisines.
These dinners take place alongside other Ramadan prayers and programs, creating a vibrant atmosphere of communal unity and spiritual reflection.
Ghumman extended an open invitation to people of all faiths. “I think this is a great opportunity for locals and neighbours to join us at the mosque and have their questions answered about our religion,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity to understand our faith and clear up any misconceptions.”
For another local Muslim, Fatima Patel, Ramadan represents a time of reflection and compassion.
“Ramadan teaches us the importance of self-discipline and empathy,” Patel said.
“It’s not just about fasting from food; it’s about fasting from negative thoughts and actions, and using the month to grow closer to Allah and help those around us.”
Ramadan is observed for about 30 days, starting in the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Throughout this period, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and drink.
Exceptions are made for children, pregnant or nursing women, travellers, and those who are unwell. In addition to refraining from eating and drinking, Muslims also avoid smoking, sexual activity, and engaging in negative behaviours during the month.
The purpose of fasting goes beyond physical abstinence; it is aimed at deepening one’s connection with Allah, fostering personal growth, and cultivating compassion for others.
For Ghumman, Ramadan is a time of personal growth and reflection. “It’s a very important month for Muslims,” he explained.
In nearby Burlington, the Halton Islamic Association is working with the local community to support families through food drives and donation collections. The association also runs a Ramadan food box program for families in need.
The Halton Islamic Association is encouraging community members in need of food to register online for a Ramadan Gift Box. These boxes, filled with non-perishable food items, are available to those in need.
A drop-off station has also been set up at Masjid Halton on Fairview Street for non-perishable food and personal care items.
As Ramadan continues, Milton’s Muslim community demonstrates the power of faith, charity, and unity—a reminder of the importance of giving back and connecting with others during this special time of year.
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