Calgary Muslims: A Century of Winter Ramadan Returns

CALGARY, AB — Canadian Muslims marked their first full winter Ramadan in years in 2025, a shift that brought shorter fasting days and reshaped evening gatherings across the country's second-largest faith community.

The Islamic calendar moves roughly 10 days earlier each year against the Gregorian clock, pushing Ramadan through the seasons. Winter observance means dawn arrives later and sunset earlier—shortening the daily fast that runs from first light to dusk.

A Prairie Lineage

Muslims first arrived in Alberta in the late 1800s, establishing roots that now number over 158,000 across the province, according to Statistics Canada's 2021 Census. Nationally, more than 1.7 million Muslims make up nearly five percent of the population.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims and Edmonton-based Islamic Social Services Association have long coordinated resources and guidance during the holy month, supporting everything from mosque programming to community safety.

The Winter Difference

Shorter days mean earlier Iftar—the evening meal that breaks the fast—allowing more time for prayer, reflection, and collective gatherings. Calgary mosques adjusted schedules accordingly, with Taraweeh prayers starting earlier than in summer cycles.

Reports emerged across Canada of individuals attempting to disrupt observances, though specifics remain unverified. The federal Anti-Racism Strategy, backed by $85 million over five years through Budget 2022, continues to fund programs aimed at combating Islamophobia and supporting diverse communities.

The Calendar Keeps Moving

Ramadan 2026 begins in early February, continuing the winter trend. By 2030, the holy month will return to late autumn, restarting the decades-long cycle that pulls Muslim observance through every season.

For Calgary's Muslim community, the 2025 winter Ramadan was a reminder of rhythms both ancient and adaptive—a faith practice that bends with the sun but never breaks.