Calgary Muslims get ready for first restriction-free Ramadan in two years

Muslims in Calgary say they're excited and relieved as the holy month of Ramadan draws closer with no COVID-19 restrictions in place to limit gatherings and prayers.

Public health measures in Alberta are being removed in three stages, with Alberta having entered Step Two on March 1. That means no more mask mandate, an end to capacity limits on religious and entertainment venues, along with limits on other indoor and outdoor gatherings, including Iftar dinners where Muslims get together to break their fast. 

Ramadan bazaars are taking place at schools and community halls as people stock up on foods and treats, clothing and Ramadan decorations for the home.

"The restrictions really impacted the social health and mental health of students and parents," said Aasima Asrar, teacher and chair of the parent council at the Calgary Islamic School's Omar Bin Al-Khattab campus, the venue of a Ramadan Bazaar that ran on Thursday and Friday.

"This year we are very excited. Ramadan is a very special and blessed month and we wanted to create a place for staff and families to come together," said Asrar.

The school's gym was packed with stalls, many run by Muslim women who operate micro businesses selling home-made foods and deserts. Others selling textiles, hijabs, Ramadan decorations and staples like dates.

"They have suffered a lot during COVID," said Asrar.

Students at the school say they're looking forward to an extra-special Ramadan this year after two years of restricted worship and gathering with friends and family.

"After these two years I felt couped up in my house and I couldn't celebrate with my family and friends," said student Mariam Harran. "I feel like this event has brought us together and made us feel that vibe of Ramadan after these two years."

"At home we usually decorate and you'd usually have the excitement of others getting to see who does the best decorations and now we can do that again because COVID is less," said Hadia Rahman.

Others like Anmar Kaddoory say this Ramadan is about re-establishing connections with his community.

"After years of quarantine, social distancing and lockdowns we can connect with each other after a long time," said Kaddoory.

"I'm looking forward to Ramadan. Not many Muslims have been able to do what we used to do and now we get a chance to experience how life was before," said Khalid Binmahfooz 

Ramadan is expected to begin on April 2, depending on the sighting of the moon, running till Sunday, May 1.