What Ramadan Means to this Halifax Entrepreneur
HALIFAX — If you happen to pass Halifax businesswoman Semira Abdu on the streets of Halifax this month, expect her to give you a warm smile, because the month of Ramadan has just begun.
While most people understand this holy Islamic month to be a time of fasting, it is also a month of charity. And, for Abdu, brightening someone’s day with a smile is a simple but effective charitable act.
“We are lucky that even smiling to a stranger is considered a charity in Islam,” Abdu tells Huddle. “I plan to smile more, anytime I walk on the street. Today, I was trying to greet every person that was passing me, because why not offer a nice hello and a nice smile? Next to that, we are supposed to donate a percentage of our income during Ramadan. it’s one of the requirements in Islam.”
“I also collaborate with my brother in Ethiopia to deliver different foods and gifts to less fortunate in Ethiopia, also donating money to different organizations. There are lots of Islamic organizations that work directly with refugees and with people who need our help.”
The month of Ramadan occurs at different times each year since it is based on a lunar cycle. This year, Ramadan started March 22 and ends April 21. During this time, Muslims will eat before dawn. They do not eat or drink until their second meal, which takes place after sunset.
Abdu is a devout Muslim who grew up in Ethiopia before moving to Nova Scotia to attend St. Francis Xavier University. She lives in Halifax and operates a unique export/import business called Only Original. She buys goods in Halifax, like electronics and beauty products, and ships them to people back in Ethiopia. Recently, she expanded her operations to import goods from her home country, such as spices and materials needed to perform the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
For Abdu, Ramadan brings back warm memories of her childhood back home. It is one of her favourite parts of the year.
“My earliest, fondest, memories from childhood is around Ramadan,” Abdu says with warmth in her voice. “People preparing to break the fast, people preparing food to feed the less fortunate, and getting together with your loved ones at the mosque.
“Now, as a woman, Ramadan is a time where I reflect, and Ramadan is a time where you can renew your spirit. In our belief, it’s stated that if you have an intention or if you have anything you want to accomplish in your life, this is the month where the heavens are the closest to us so we can communicate with our creator and we can aim for a better future.”
Breaking the fast each evening is also a time for Abdu and other faithful to gather and celebrate. Abdu is a proficient cook and loves to host for guests, so that is something she is looking forward to. So far she has gathered with her community at Ummah Mosque in Halifax–including an event with many local politicians and community leaders.
Abdu stresses that, during Ramadan, all are welcome, regardless of faith, to break fast with each other. She has recently discovered that the Halifax Muslim community is large, connected, and welcoming — especially during Ramadan.
“I did not know before this year, I’m a little embarrassed to say, but there is a very good community and they are also welcoming to non-Muslims. A few months ago, they had an interfaith event that brought everyone to the mosque. That was one of the first events I attended this year.”
Despite the various requirements of Ramadan, Abdu’s day-to-day business life is undisrupted during the month, thanks in large part to it being an online business. Back at her export-receiving centre in Ethiopia, however, hours of operation are slightly reduced so her employees can prepare in the morning and in the evening.
Although Ramadan is a positive, uplifting, spiritual experience for Abdu, it still comes with its share of challenges. Like anyone, the fasting aspect of the month means there are times each day where she will be thirsty and hungry. But Abdu gets through those pains by reminding herself that billions of others worldwide are going through this journey with her.
“I’m doing this with two billion people worldwide. I feel like all this spirit, knowing that people are doing it with you; every Muslim is fasting with me. I feel like I am not alone in this hunger, so you don’t really notice the lack of food or the lack of water. And right now in Nova Scotia, it’s not even that hot so you don’t really get thirsty.”
“Anytime I feel hungry I think of those who are going without their daily meal every single day. We live in a world where people go through starving, and not by choice. It makes you grateful for what you have, because you are fasting and you’re going to break your fast in a few hours and you’re going to enjoy food. But there are people who don’t know when their next meal is going to come.”
Derek Montague is a Huddle reporter in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].