Muslim community breaks fast at Grand Iftar to raise funds for people in Sudan, Gaza

Almost 300 people from the Winnipeg Muslim community assembled Sunday evening for a Grand Iftar to break their fast and to donate to those who are suffering in Sudan and Gaza.

The iftar — the evening meal served at sunset to break the daily fast during the month of Ramadan, which began Feb. 17 and continues until March 19 — was sponsored by the Manitoba office of Islamic Relief Canada, an international organization that provides humanitarian aid around the world.

A total of $71,000 was raised at the iftar, which will be used to provide food, vouchers, medicine, water and hygiene kits for people in Sudan, which is facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises due to conflict. Food and water will also be supplied to people in Gaza.

This is the fifth time Islamic Relief Canada has held a Grand Iftar during Ramadan in Winnipeg. About $100,000 was raised last year.

The purpose of Sunday’s event was to remember the “millions breaking their Ramadan fast in unimaginable conditions” in Sudan and Gaza, said Iqra Tariq, a fundraising specialist with Islamic Relief in Manitoba.

“They are searching for food, clean water and safety,” she said, adding “our ummah (community) is suffering. We have hearts that care and can give.”

Ramadan, Tariq went on to say, is a time of generosity that “teaches us that our blessings are a trust from God… through our charity we can restore their hope.”

Among those at the iftar was a group of young people who are part of the Winnipeg Ethiopian Canadian Muslim Community Association.

“We are here to show our support for people in Gaza and Sudan,” said Hadeed Ismael. “We are doing it because they are human beings who need help.”

“This is a time to give back,” said Nabihan Imame. “We have a role to play.”

“It’s important for us to show up for something like this,” added Heba Ismael. “This cause is so important, especially since Sudan gets so little attention.”

Azeem Bamiygose is a volunteer with Islamic Relief Canada who was helping to collect donations at the iftar.

“I want to help people in other countries,” said Bamiygose, a student at Pembina Trails Collegiate. “Their lives are really hard in Gaza and Sudan. I want to help them any way I can.”

Also volunteering at the iftar was Najib Warsame, who came to Canada from Uganda as a refugee in 2023.

“I know what it is like to face hardship and need help,” said Warsame, who is originally from Somalia and who studied medicine in Uganda before coming to Canada.

“This is my way to give back, to help others,” he said, noting he now has a “better life” in Manitoba. “I know the challenges they face.”

Islamic Relief Canada was founded in 2005. In addition to its humanitarian aid and development programs in the developing world, it responds to poverty and hunger in Canada. In February, volunteers with the organization in Winnipeg packed 300 hampers for refugee and newcomer families in Manitoba.

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