Muslims in Regina fast for Ramadan on longest day of the year

It is the first day of summer and the longest day of the year, but the day may especially feel like a long one for some of Regina’s Muslim citizens who are celebrating Ramadan.

The fast of Ramadan means not eating or drinking until after the sun goes down. In Saskatchewan, there will be a total 16 hours and 45 minutes of daylight on Monday, June 20.

For Zainabu Mwangani, fasting is not a big issue.

“I started fasting when I was 10 years old and I am used to it; I don’t feel anything.”

Mwangani explained fasting is a spiritual part of a bigger spiritual experience.

“The reason why we fast is about self control. You feel spiritual, you feel you are connected to what you believe, to your god.”

For Mwangani it is more difficult being away from her family during Ramadan.

“I miss to be with the family, because it’s different, here.”

But Mwangani says there is a community here which does help to make things easier.

“With us here in Regina, we meet at the mosque. If you want to break your fast with the community you can go to the mosque if you want to do how you do it back home with a lot of people.”

Ramadan goes until the end of June.