Honourable senators, tomorrow marks the beginning of Eid ul Fitr, also called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.”

This is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims in Canada and around the world and marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

This past month, Muslim families and friends have fasted during the daytime and broken their fast in the evening. Observants have had suhoor, which is the meal served before dawn, and iftar, which is the meal served after sunset. Both meals typically include fresh fruit, vegetables, halal meats, breads, cheeses and sweets.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. These pillars, or duties, form the basis of how Muslims practise their religion.

Colleagues, Ramadan is a time for prayer, spiritual introspection, reconnecting with loved ones and giving back to your community.

Ramadan is also an opportunity to celebrate Muslim communities and the important contributions they make, and continue to make, within and beyond Canada.

In my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the local Islamic community recently held an iftar dinner where prominent members of society were invited to share in the celebration of the holy month.

Politicians, law enforcement officers, journalists, members of the Indigenous community and other guests were given a tour of the local mosque and an overview of the principles of Ramadan and its meaning to the Muslim community.

Honourable senators, this is one example of how the Muslim community has reached out to fellow citizens to highlight a faith that embraces the ideals of peace, benevolence and generosity of spirit.

In a troubled and increasingly polarized planet, extremists have used religion as a premise upon which they commit their acts of terror and heinous crimes. Every peace-loving mainstream Muslim condemns these horrors and perverse behaviours.

Muslims in my province are part of a broad interfaith coalition that works towards community-wide efforts to help those in need. Collaboration and education help to eradicate misunderstandings that occur and foster unity and strength.

For all those who observed this sacred month, I hope you had a blessed and peaceful Ramadan. On behalf of Senators Ataullahjan and Jaffer, my fellow Muslim senators, and on behalf of all of you, I would like to wish all celebrants Eid Mubarak.

Thank you, meegwetch.