Chief Armand La Barge and the men and women of York Regional Police offer best wishes to members of our Muslim community celebrating the month of Ramadan beginning on August 21 or 22, 2009, depending on sighting of the new moon.

Ramadan is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, believed to be the month in which the Qur’an was revealed. It is a time for Muslims to focus on purifying their souls through prayer and self-sacrifice.

Although prayers, charity and self-accountability are especially prevalent during the month, fasting is the most prominent event. Muslims spend the month fasting during the daylight hours from dawn to dusk. The annual fast is considered one of the five pillars of Islam which include a Testimony of Faith, Prayer, Alms Giving and Pilgrimage.

The Arabic word for fasting literally means to refrain, which is what is religiously prescribed – not just abstaining from eating and drinking, but also restraining every part of one’s physical body. The mouth, for example, is restrained from idle talk and gossip, while the ears are restrained from listening to obscenities. In this way, a Muslim engages his or her entire body in the physical observance of the Ramadan fast. In addition, Ramadan reminds us of the hardship faced by the unfortunate and poor who often go hungry.

During Ramadan, Muslims who are physically able, rise before sunrise to partake in a pre-fast meal called suhoor. Each night after sunset, they break their fast typically with a date and water followed by the iftar meal. The end of the month of Ramadan is marked with the joyous three-day festival of Eid al-Fitr, which is observed upon sighting of the new moon.

“The holy month of Ramadan unites all Muslims in fasting, worship and prayer,” said Chief Armand La Barge. “Many members of York Regional Police will be joining members of York Region’s Muslim community during this time for contemplation, spirituality, brotherhood and sisterhood. Please join us in wishing Muslims Ramadan Mubarak.”

For more information, contact the York Regional Police Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6089, or at www.diversity@yrp.ca .