Windsor Mosque helps new Muslims prepare for Ramadan
It's a special time of year for Windsor Muslims as they prepare for the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Starting Saturday, observant Muslims will abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset. It can also be a trying time for people who are new to the faith.
Originally from Florida, Kelly Al-Yamani became Muslim in 2006 and understands the challenges new Muslims face.
"Sometimes they are isolated," she said. "They don't have the support from their family. Either their family disowns them or they've moved here from another city and they don't have that support."
Building community for newcomers
She helps organize monthly potlucks for converts, giving as much support as she can. It's that kind of support that helped her when she first arrived in Canada without any family.
"It was actually the support of the community coming and bringing me in, and integrating into the community that really helped make me feel like I was welcome," Al-Yamani said.
She recognizes that Windsor's Muslim community is very diverse and attendance for the potlucks can range anywhere from 30 to more than 100 people.
The Windsor Islamic Association offers special Iftars (breaking of the fast) for newcomers and offers other programs to help people become part of a larger family.
"Ramadan is a unique time because usually it's a time of coming together," said Dr. Maher El-Masri, association chairperson. "Sometimes new Muslims are unfortunately having difficult relationships with their families and friends so we try to be the families and the friends for them."
