Council of Imams of Ottawa-Gatineau Ramadan 1446 2025 Announcement

Friday, February 28, 2025

All praise belongs only to Allah (SWT) the Almighty. May the peace and blessing be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, the faithful companions, and all those who follow them.

Based on the moon sighting confirmation consistent with the global moon sighting criterion, the Council of Imams of Ottawa-Gatineau hereby declares that the first of Ramadan will be on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Accordingly, Taraweeh prayers will begin tonight February 28, 2025 insha-Allah. Ramadan, the month of the Quran and fasting is a unique month in our calendar that not only brings along enormous blessings of Allah but also the opportunity for our forgiveness and extending kindness to others. The Council is encouraging everyone to partake in your neighbourhood masjid, draw benefit from the congregational prayers; and secure the assured reward from Allah (swt).

This year the month of Ramadan is all the more important for us to make duas and show our generosity as humanity is helplessly witnessing unprecedented loss of life, force displacements, and extreme human suffering in Palestine, Sudan and across several other countries. The Council is urging the believers to keep all those innocent victims of conflicts, injustice and natural disasters in your prayers, and do what you can to provide assistance through the recognized relief agencies.

Sadaqatul Fitr: Following the fighi rules on the type of commodities and their respective weights, the Council has set $10 per person as a minimum to be paid on behalf of each family member including underage children. Anyone wishing to pay more may do so since there is no upper limit for this obligation. The Council is also encouraging the community to pay Sadagatul Fitr as early as possible so that the most deserving people may benefit immediately during the blessed month.

As we set out to observe this blessed month of Ramadan, the Council of Imams of Ottawa-Gatineau extends its best wishes to all Canadians and Muslim communities nationwide. We hope that our fasting and good deeds will be accepted and well-received by Allah the Almighty. Let us encourage one another in earning the pleasure of Allah (SWT) through the acts of piety, righteousness, generosity and service to humanity.

Signed virtually by:

All affiliated members of the Council of imams of Ottawa-Gatineau