It’s the first day of Ramadan, the 9^th Hijri month of fasting, alms-giving and many acts of worship.

In light of this blessed time, Canadian Muslims in British Columbia have planned to provide weekly meals for the homeless in Vancouver throughout the sacred month, City News reports on May 6.

Tarek Ramadan of the ‘Muslim Contribution Society’ says: “For the next 30 days, there’s no eating or drinking from sunrise to sundown. Every weekend we’ll be providing meals on East Hastings for the homeless.”

The Islamic Shari`ah prescribes fasting between sunrise and sunset in order for adult and healthy Muslims to sense the feeling of needy people who suffer throughout the year.

“Here in Canada, we fast for 16 to 17 hours a day. So, we feel the hunger of those who can’t help themselves, right?” he notes.

“We’ve had people offering to bring materials, bring food, and donate money. The response has been amazing, actually,” Ramadan continued.

The society informed that they’re using the restaurant space to prepare the meals, which will be set out on a table on Hastings near Main Street.

Ramadan informed that they are “aiming to start by Friday or Thursday. We’ll start on a weekday and continue on the weekend.”

He hopes they can feed 250 people per weekend. According to him, this can be achieved by about $500 a day to cover expenses, according to the society’s estimation.

Muslims dedicate their time during Ramadan to get closer to Allah through prayer, charity, self-restraint, and good deeds.

Ramadan is a blessed month where the rewards for all of our good deeds are multiplied and this includes charity work and donations.

For participating in donating meals, you can call 604-782-9444.

Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

During fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations.

Muslims are also instructed to refrain from sinful behavior that may negate the reward of fasting, such as false speech (insulting, backbiting, cursing, lying, etc.) and fighting except in self-defense.