Ramadan 2023: Toronto's Top 8 Muslim Events to Feed Your Soul

It's that time of year again!

Ramadan is a special month for the Muslim community, marked by spiritual reflection and renewal. During this time, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and focus on acts of kindness, charity, and spending time with loved ones.

Most years, there are a lot of events in Toronto to celebrate Ramadan and bring people of different faiths together. These events offer a chance for everyone to learn about the Muslim community and come together in compassion and unity.

In this article, we'll look at some of the events happening in Toronto during Ramadan 2023. Read on!

When Is Ramadan 2023?

Ramadan takes place during the 9th month of the Islamic Calendar. In 2023, it's expected to begin on Wednesday evening, March 22 and end on Thursday evening, April 20.

There are many events expected to take place during this time in Toronto. Here are just some of them:

1. Fast in the 6

Fast in the 6 is a free event in Toronto that takes place during Ramadan to celebrate the breaking of the fast. The event, which Dany and Lisa Assaf founded, features food, entertainment, and fireworks.

It affirms Toronto's leadership as a global centre of both social and economic opportunity. The event is on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Nathan Phillips Square.

2. Muslim Business Expo

The Muslim Business Expo is an event dedicated to connecting the Muslim community and supporting local businesses by providing a platform to network, show off their products and services, and build connections.

Participants will have the chance to meet contractors, mechanics, barbers, bankers, artists, sales agents, caterers, and more, all under one roof. The Expo is on May 20, 2023, from 12 pm to 7 pm EDT at the Islamic Institute of Toronto.

3. The Spiritual Legacy of Imam Ali (as): Lessons from Nahj al-Balagh

During Ramadan, the Organization for Islamic Learning hosts a five-night lecture series and iftar, with Dr. Sayyid Hadi Qazwini as the guest speaker.

During this series, participants can apply the timeless wisdom of the influential text Nahj al-Balagha to their lives. Amaals will be conducted on April 9, 11, and 13, with an iftar dinner provided following each lecture.

Attendance is free and open to all. However, seating is limited. There is also an opportunity for volunteers to join the team and help out over the next five nights.

4. Nisa Connects: Sisterhood Iftar -Scarborough

Nisa Helpline is hosting an iftar event to foster spiritual harmony and empower sisters by connecting them with the community. The event will include a workshop led by Sumayya, who creates Islamic Art with English and Arabic calligraphy.

The event is on Friday, April 7, at 5:30 pm at the Amana Conference Centre and Banquet Hall, Toronto. Tickets range from $5 to $2 (plus processing fee) for those aged nine and up, with children under 2 being free.

This event is for sisters only.

5. 10th Anniversary Fundraising Gala Dinner

The National Zakat Foundation Canada is hosting a 10th Anniversary Fundraising Gala Dinner in Scarborough to celebrate a decade of local Zakat in Canada. The event will occur at the Estate Banquet Hall on March 31, 2023, featuring guest speaker Shaykh Wasim Kempson.

The Canadian Muslim community has supported their fellow community members in need through the power of Zakat, impacting over 40,000 individuals nationwide.

The event is a night of remembrance and community. Attendees will remember Allah as the creator of Zakat, a flawless giving system.

6. Spiritual Counselling Training

ABRAR Trauma and Mental Health Services are hosting a Spiritual Counselling Training in Toronto on April 28–29, 2023. The training will focus on spiritual counselling within an Islamic Psychology framework for Muslim caregivers and those who work with Muslims.

Participants will learn about diagnostic criteria and healthy Muslim characteristics, inspiration for Muslim spiritual counsellors, ethical values, cognitive distortions, the impact of colonialism on Muslims, spiritual healing for terror, trauma, hate, Islamophobia, grief, and family counselling.

7. Nisa Homes Scarborough Inspiring Iftar

Nisa Homes is hosting an Inspiring Iftar event in Scarborough to support women and children experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence. The event will take place on April 9, 2023, at the Grand Cinnamon Banquet & Convention Center in Toronto.

Speakers like Imam Ibrahim Hindy, activist Rana Abdelhamid, survivor and humanitarian Lisa Vogl, and Nisa Homes Head of Outreach Rania Al-Khooly will give talks to inspire people.

The event aims to unite the community to provide safe shelter and new beginnings for those in need. The evening will include breaking fast with family and friends, inspiring speeches, and an opportunity to make a difference in the community.

8. Queer Iftar

The 519 Community Centre is hosting a Queer Iftar event for 2SLGBTQ+ Arab-speaking community members on March 30, 2023, from 7 pm - 8:30 pm EDT. This event will be organized by Meem, Mubadarat, and the 519 New to Canada Team. It will center around 2SLGBTQIA+ Arabic-speaking members of the community.

Attendees must register in advance, and space is limited, with only one ticket per person being allowed. Newcomers to Canada that identify as Muslim and 2SLGBTQIA+ are especially encouraged to attend.

Final Thoughts

Toronto is a city that embraces diversity and culture. With the upcoming Ramadan season, there are many events to look forward to that will allow you to experience and learn about the Muslim community.

As you celebrate Ramadan with your loved ones, staying connected is important, even if you can't be together physically. This is where Remitbee comes in—we provide a safe and easy way to send money to your family and friends back home during this special time.

So, don't let distance come between you and your loved ones during Ramadan. Explore the events in Toronto and use Remitbee to stay connected and make this a significant and memorable season.