by Dina Rahal, MAC Islamic School Calgary (MIS Calgary) in Bridgeland
The MAC Islamic School Calgary (MIS Calgary) is one of the several Islamic schools in Calgary and a proud member of a national network of twelve schools run by the Muslim Association of Canada. At MIS Calgary, we nurture our K to Grade 9 students to build strong character, embrace healthy living, and develop essential work and life skills that pave the way for a successful and happy life. We are thrilled to share with our beloved Bridgeland-Riverside community about a very special month to us, that is Ramadan, a month of great significance for Muslims around the world and is observed at the beginning of March this year.
Ramadan is more than just a time for fasting; it is a profound spiritual journey that encourages self-reflection, empathy, and a deepened connection with the Divine. It offers Muslims an opportunity for both individual and communal growth as they strive to purify their body, heart, and soul through patience, sincerity, and sacrifice.
Ramadan is a month dedicated to spiritual practices such as prayer, heart-mindfulness, Quran learning, reflection, charity, and of course, fasting. Fasting is to abstain from food, drink, and causing harm by arm or tongue. It is a practice of self-control over one’s emotions, thoughts, and actions such as bad temper, anger, thinking ill of others, and using profanity. Ramadan offers a chance to reset and cultivate enduring spiritual, mental, and emotional habits.
Our students are excited to take part in special Ramadan activities that highlight these aspects, helping them connect with their faith and with one another in meaningful ways. At MIS Calgary, we foster a supportive environment where our students can learn about the true essence of Ramadan.
Throughout the year, we create platforms, activities, events, volunteering opportunities, workshops, contests, and challenges that push our children to step up as global citizens, contribute in goodness to the world and give back to the community at large. We encourage them to initiate and engage in acts of kindness by donating their time and skills and lending a hand whenever needed. In doing so, we instil a deep sense of social responsibility, empathy, and compassion. For example, our students are currently collecting non-perishable food items to support evacuee families who have recently arrived in Calgary from conflict zones.
Ramadan amplifies these values within our school community. Fasting, along with its deep spiritual commitment, serves as a beautiful reminder of selflessness and gratitude, shaping our students’ actions and interpersonal relationships. Striving to develop leaders who combine compassion with responsibility to make impactful societal contributions through lives that represent integrity and faith-based obligations to humanity. This commitment fills us with immense pride in our students during Ramadan and beyond.
For the broader Muslim community, Ramadan fosters profound personal growth and strengthens communal bonds. It is a time for solidarity, where families gather for iftar meals, share worship experiences, and reinforce personal and collective ties. Islam puts a great emphasis on charity, especially during Ramadan. Many Muslims donate a portion of their wealth during Ramadan to support their communities, with a sense of gratefulness and contentment for what they have, reinforcing the spirit of a community.
As we approach this sacred month, we eagerly anticipate coming together as a school and part of the broader Muslim community to embrace the spirit of goodness and unity.
Ramadan offers everyone to consider great and important values. In today’s world, where humanity longs for kindness, generosity, empathy, and unity, our heartfelt wish is to extend our arms and join hands with our non-Muslim neighbours and friends. Together, we can build a stronger, compassionate society that honours shared values while celebrating our differences.
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