Honourable senators, I rise today to speak to you about Ramadan. As I woke early this morning to prepare for the day of fasting, I felt connected to all fellow Muslims in Canada and around the world that I knew were going through the same act. That connection brought with it a feeling of kinship that erased many of the feelings of distance and isolation that the pandemic has created.

As many of you know, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which involves an absolute fast, began a week ago. Muslims refrain from food and all drinks, including water, from dawn to dusk — about 15 hours in most of Canada. More than food, we also refrain from anger, dishonesty and gossiping. It is a time to be extra mindful of our prayers and charity, and those who are unable to fast are encouraged to give the equivalent of what would be spent on food for a month to those in need.

Fasting helps you purify your body. It renews your faith and allows you to seek forgiveness. It increases your discipline by controlling desires. It also brings forth in you greater compassion for those in need. Each day of fasting, feeling a hunger and thirst with the knowledge that it will end at sunset, deepens the empathy you feel for those whose hunger is not by choice and knows no end.

For me on a personal level, when I fast, I find a calmness envelops me. My senses feel heightened. I am so aware of my body that I feel able to hear my heartbeat. I remember as a child that Ramadan would be such a joyous occasion. Getting up in the middle of the night to share a meal with family and friends and preparing feasts for sunset was something we all looked forward to.

There is a certain closeness and joy that comes with sharing whatever food you have. It’s not uncommon for total strangers to reach out. Unfortunately, this is the second time we must celebrate Ramadan virtually, an experience shared with many religions this year with the prayer that the next year will be different.

Still, we find ways to come together in celebration. I experienced my first ever virtual breaking of the fast last week, hosted by the Honourable Erin O’Toole. When once again we gather with friends and family to break fast, we stand united in prayers. This Ramadan, as most of us continue to struggle both individually and as a community and a country, I am reminded of God’s words in the Quran: “Indeed, after hardship there is ease.” Thank you, and Ramadan Mubarak.