TORONTO – Syrian newcomers hosted a free meal for Toronto homeless on Sunday, June 11, as a way of giving back during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

“We want to show other people how Muslims are in Ramadan, we need to show others we have … to give our help to other people,” Mohamad Alhaj, who arrived in Toronto 18 months ago, told CBC News.

The event was spearheaded by Mes Amis Canada, an organization that has helped settle 3,000 refugees in the country over the last 18 months.

“We wanted to go out to the community and have people understand … about the generosity that is extended during Ramadan, share with Torontonians what the newcomers and refugees are doing now, that they’re giving back like all other Canadians,” said Julie Mahfouz Rezvani, executive director at Mes Amis Canada.

Preparing hundreds of meals at the lunch, it was held at a time when many of the volunteers, many of Syrian and Iraqi descent, were fasting.

“While they’ll be serving the homeless and low-income individuals, they themselves won’t be eating,” said Mahfouz Rezvani.

“It’s more meaningful … serving others while you’re not eating is a pretty big testament.”

Preparing the meals, volunteers took to the streets to hand out meals to people living in the streets.

“The event is called Ahlan Ramadan. Ahlan means welcome … those refugees that were welcomed in Canada last year are participating in this event to now give back to Torontonians,” said Mahfouz Rezvani.

Ramadan, the holiest month in Islamic calendar, started on Saturday, May 27.

In Ramadan, 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 be closer to Allah through prayers, 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.

During the holy month, Muslims try to set a strong example for the children in Muslim households by giving back to the community.