By Blessing Chinagorom
Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau has celebrated 1.8 million Muslims who have called Canada home and Muslims around the world while marking the beginning of Ramadan.
Trudeau in a statement on Sunday said, “Today, at sundown, Muslim communities in Canada and around the world will mark the beginning of Ramadan.
“Over the coming weeks, family and friends will come together to pray and give back to others through kindness and generosity.
“At sundown, they will gather for iftar, the traditional meal shared after a long day of fasting. No matter where it’s observed, Ramadan provides an opportunity to honour the values of compassion, gratitude, and family”, the Prime Minister added.
He noted that this is an opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions that Muslim Canadians have made, and continue to make, to the dear country.
Trudeau revealed that nearly 1.8 million Muslims call Canada home, and admitted that the country is more prosperous because of them. “This year, the sacred month comes at a particularly challenging time.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to unfold, the Prime Minister on behalf of Canada reaffirmed the call for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and the safe, unimpeded access to humanitarian relief for civilians.
He said, “As Muslim communities observe Ramadan with kindness and compassion, we are reminded of our collective duty to stand against Islamophobia, racism, and hate in all their forms, wherever and whenever they occur.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish Muslim communities across Canada a blessed and peaceful Ramadan”, the Prime Minister said.
