HALIFAX – As Ramadan bids farewell, Halifax Muslims held a food drive on Sunday, July 3, to share the spirit of the holy month with the larger community, extending a helping hand to the needy and poor.

“It is called ‘Share the Spirit of Ramadan’ because it is exactly what that title means. So during the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until dusk, during that time they abstain from water and food,” the food drive co-ordinator Asraa El-Darahali told CBC.

“So they feel what hunger really feels like.”

Halifax’s Muslim community has linked its annual food drive with Ramadan, a month of prayer, fasting, charity and self-accountability.

Held on Sunday, the event took place at Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth.

Last year, the group set a goal to feed 500 families, to gather about $10,000 worth of non-perishable items and monetary donations.

The event was a huge success after they managed to raise $15,000 and fill a 14-foot trailer with food items.

They hope to do the same this year, El-Darahali said.

“We’re hoping that the community is going to come out, donate for this great cause. The charities that we are supporting are Feed Nova Scotia and all the homeless shelters in HRM, Bayers Westwood Family Resource Centre and Parker Street House.”

For world Muslims, Ramadan is a month when they think about others.

“We’re going hungry for 18 1/2 hours, that’s how long the days have been this year,” El-Darahali said.

“So you’re feeling hunger and what hunger does to you. And you’re able to feel more compassion, more empathetic towards those people who have gone without a meal.”