MISSISSAUGA – When Sheba Siddiqui thought of a surprise birthday party for her husband Saud Juman in Ramadan, she could not find a better chance to spread the holy month’s joy among others.

Therefore, their family and friends in Mississauga raised $5000 and volunteered to put bags of food together for needy families.

The plan came as Muslims worldwide mark the holy fasting month of Ramadan, which kicked off last Saturday, May 27.

During the holy month, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint and good deeds.

It is customary for Muslims to spend part of the days during Ramadan studying the Noble Qur’an.

Many men perform i`tikaf (spiritual retreat), spending the last 10 days of the month exclusively in the mosque.

Muslims are the fastest growing religious community in Canada, according to the country’s statistical agency, Statistics Canada.

Canada’s Muslim population increased by 82 percent over the past decade – from about 579,000 in 2001 to more than 1 million in 2011.

Muslims represent 3.2 percent of Canada’s total population.