Ramadan can be a challenging time for Muslim women who are isolated, but an Ottawa-based group is working to change that by fostering a sense of sisterhood through iftar.
For many Muslim women, Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, community, and family gatherings. However, for those who are isolated, whether due to living alone, being new to the city, or not having a strong support system, the holy month can be a lonely and isolating experience.
Recognizing this issue, a group of Muslim women in Ottawa came together to create a solution. They formed a community organization called “Sisterhood Iftar” with the goal of providing a welcoming and inclusive space for Muslim women to come together and break their fast during Ramadan.
The group, which was founded in 2018, hosts iftar dinners every week throughout the month of Ramadan. These dinners are open to all Muslim women, regardless of their background or level of religious practice. The organizers believe that breaking bread together can bring people from different walks of life closer and create a sense of sisterhood.
One of the co-founders, Aisha Malik, explains that the idea for Sisterhood Iftar came from her own experience of feeling isolated during Ramadan. She says, “I moved to Ottawa a few years ago and didn’t know anyone in the city. During Ramadan, I found myself feeling lonely and missing the sense of community I had back home. That’s when I realized that there must be other women in the same situation as me.”
The group’s iftar dinners are not just about sharing a meal, but also about creating a safe and supportive space for women to connect and build relationships. The organizers make sure to include activities such as icebreakers and discussions on various topics related to Islam and womanhood. This allows the women to not only break their fast together but also engage in meaningful conversations and learn from one another.
The response to Sisterhood Iftar has been overwhelmingly positive. The group has grown from a small gathering of friends to a community of over 100 women. Many attendees have expressed how grateful they are for the opportunity to connect with other Muslim women and feel a sense of belonging during Ramadan.
One of the attendees, Fatima Ahmed, shares her experience, saying, “I have been attending Sisterhood Iftar for the past two years, and it has become an essential part of my Ramadan. As someone who doesn’t have family in Ottawa, it’s comforting to have a group of sisters to break my fast with and share this special month with.”
In addition to the iftar dinners, Sisterhood Iftar also organizes other events and activities throughout the year, such as community service projects and social gatherings. The group’s ultimate goal is to create a strong and supportive network of Muslim women in Ottawa.
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Sisterhood Iftar is gearing up to host their iftar dinners once again. The organizers are excited to welcome new faces and continue fostering a sense of sisterhood and community among Muslim women in Ottawa.
Malik says, “Ramadan is a time for reflection, but it’s also a time for connection. We want to make sure that no Muslim woman in Ottawa feels alone during this month. Sisterhood Iftar is here to provide a sense of community and support for all.”
