Muslim students and staff across the Surrey school district are honouring Ramadan this month.<\/p>\n
Johnston Heights Secondary School is showing its support for the Muslim community by accommodating fasting, recognizing Ramadan and actively educating against Islamophobia.<\/p>\n
Ramadan, which started on Feb. 18, is held in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.<\/p>\n
During Ramadan, Muslims pray, reflect, give to the community, and fast between sunrise and sunset. They partake in suhur, a breakfast before dawn, and iftar, a meal to break their fast at sunset, but otherwise continue without food or drink throughout the day.<\/p>\n
Children, pregnant and nursing women, the elderly, people who are ill and travellers are exempt from the fasting period.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven the diverse communities in and around Johnston Heights, we have many students who celebrate Ramadan,\u201d said teacher Anisa Dhanji, the school\u2019s equity department head and anti-racism and racial equity lead.<\/p>\n
Dhanji shared that while many members of the community practise fasting, they want to also acknowledge the many who celebrate the holy month in a variety of other ways through religious study and cultural gatherings.<\/p>\n
Surrey Schools explained that Johnston Heights has a strong Muslim Student Association (MSA)<\/a> that \u201csupports Islamic student population through advocacy, community and solidarity.\u201d<\/p>\n This association has previously organized grand iftar community events for 200 guests to share in Ramadan.<\/p>\n Earlier this month, MSA hosted a community potluck and workshop<\/a> to further educate students on Ramadan.<\/p>\n Surrey Schools says that the MSA wants to find a way to better inform students about the Muslim faith by tackling Islamophobia head-on and \u201caddressing harmful narratives, stereotypes, media representation and misconceptions of Islam.\u201d<\/p>\n In recent months this group has:<\/p>\n \u2022 put together a display board about Islamic contributions to modern society;<\/p>\n \u2022 organized a Q&A about Islamophobia and the Jan. 29, 2017 Quebec mosque attack;<\/p>\n \u2022 Received the Visionary Award from Islamic Relief Canada for their stellar work fundraising for global orphans and children in need during Charity Week; and<\/p>\n \u2022 collaborated with the Social Justice Club to host a spirit week celebrating Syrian Independence Day and International Human Rights Day as well as demonstrating support for the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Sudan.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile practices that celebrate Ramadan and the Islam faith itself are recognized at Johnston Heights, we also understand the work that needs to continue in order to become a place where culturally diverse practices are not only welcomed but valued and respected at our school and beyond, without the fear of being discriminated against,\u201d said vice-principal Naela Aslam.<\/p>\n Surrey Schools shared that many of their schools across the district support students during Ramadan by hosting daily fasting spaces at lunchtime and accommodating students\u2019 physical and mental capacities during the month.<\/p>\n Surrey Schools notes that Ramadan also falls during Heritage Week in B.C., alongside the beginning of Lunar New Year<\/a>.<\/p>\n Dhanji mentioned that there is a shared symbolism of light across these platforms and it is a very powerful message in the current state of the world.<\/p>\n \u201cThough these holidays come from different cultures and religious traditions, both centre light as a symbol of renewal, hope and guidance,\u201d said Dhanji.<\/p>\n She says there is something poetic about two lunar observances happening in different parts of the world and beginning together under the same moon.<\/p>\n \u201cIt reminds us that while traditions vary, the human longing for light, renewal and connection is universal, and educators have a powerful opportunity to explore common themes like light overcoming darkness, enlightenment, hope and community to encourage cross-cultural understandings, empathy among each other, and meaningful dialogue,\u201d explained Dhanji.<\/p>\n Dhanji and Aslam shared that recognizing the month of Ramadan is both personally meaningful and an important step towards advancing racial equity and anti-racism at their school, and instilling a sense of belonging across Johnston Heights\u2019 diverse cultural identities.<\/p>\n \u201cIt reminds us that all people\u2019s identities, beliefs and lived experiences are important in every space they occupy,\u201d said Dhanji.<\/p>\n She said that when students can share traditions, holidays, languages, foods, and stories, it invites curiosity and connection between learning and teachers.<\/p>\n \u201cWe learn from one another, stereotypes are challenged, and the Johnston Heights community grows strong through collective care and respect.\u201d<\/p>\n Johnston Heights MSA will be hosting their fourth annual grand iftar at the school on March 6 and are inviting all to come and celebrate this time together.<\/p>\n More information on this event can be located on the MSA Instagram page<\/a> and ticket information can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n