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= NEWS ‘COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN ABUNDANCE DURING RAMADAN = = Continued from page 1 ¥ nostiftar orbreakingof = fast, including the rata 'g Islamic Centre of Toronto 2 (ICT) in Ballinafad, Hal- a ton Hills, where the con- 5 2 gregation has continued to F grow since the mosquefirst took over the space of the former church back in 2021. "We're really excited," said Ferry Cosmedy, vice president of operations with IICT. "We are really blessed that our neigh- bours support our pres- ence there." Following the recent completion of renovations, the mosque is hosting Iftar dinner featuring Indone- sian dishes and other cui- sines every weekend on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays alongside other Ramadan programs and prayers — late afternoon to evening. Subhan Bumi, chair of faith, is invited. "We open the door for “Hopefully, this will give , more understanding about slam." whieh falls, on the A anh COM/COMMUNI “We open the door for everyone for Iftar and to have some conversation about Islam. Hopefully, this will give more understanding about Islam.” - Subhan Bumi, chair of the board of IICT month of the Islamic lunar calendar, shifts year to year. Muslims refrain from eating and drinking — wa- ter included — from dawn to dusk for about 30 days, but there are povendred for childre1 regnant nursing women, travellers, Book your Personalized Smile Consultation today insidehalton.com 647-496-1424 2-2983 Westoak Trails Blvd. villageortho.ca Oakville At Village Orthodontics in Oakville, we specialize in beautiful smiles using clear aligners and traditional braces. New Patients Welcome Schedule your complimentary consultation today! —VILLAGE— ORTHODONTICS and the sick. Beyond fasting, people refrain from sexual activi- ty, smoking and negative behaviours. While Iftar feasts are part of the celebration, the emphasis is to get closer to , Khan said, noting this includes reciting the entire Quran. "It's not about the food. It's not about getting all the material things in your lives, but to strive to be a better person," she said. “Be more tho needs — more about oth- Halton District School Board ers and less about your- self." Giving back to the com- munity is a hallmark of Ramadan. The World ‘samic! ee sion Canada has ized a Ramadan toy ahive - ee details at WIMCana- da.com/events/_ — in which people can drop off toys and cash at Masjid Noor-ul-Haram in Oak- ville. Milton Muslim Moms, a not-for- profit Khan found- ed back in 2019, continues to collect and deliver food and gift card donations to local families in need. le have our database of families who are going through arough time," she aid. In Burlington, the Hal- ton Islamic Association is working with charity group Compassion Society of Halton on a food drive program to collect non-per- ishable food and personal Free LINC/ESL Classes care items, with a drop-off station set up at Masjid Halton on Fairview Street. The association also runsa gram for com bers in need of support. And just like the year before, IICT is running a free tax clinic — in-person ‘tual — managed by certified accountants for community members in Halton Hills. Those inter- ested can send an email to istiglaltorontoincome- tax@gmail.com to ensure eligibility and set appoint- STORY BEHIND THE Sr ORY. Weu wanted fo share across alton are 2 welcont ing and celebrating Rama- ‘SCAN THIS CODE for more local news. 240 Wyecroft Road, Oakville * OCELT-certified instructors * Interactive & engaging lessons * CLB Levels 1-5 (beginner to * Access Chromebooks * Improve computer skills Programs funded by: *Free childcare a Ontario @ a "Gary Allan Learning Centres