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It is day 1 of Ramadan, everybody has fresh spirits, renewed spiritual focus, some of us with a very serious and long list of duas, and some of us with strong hopes for the month to fix all our problems. We are determined to get the maximum out of it. We practice the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) like never before, being careful to not lose patience, to hold back our tongue, to mind our actions. And then, the initially steady flame of focus and determination slowly begins to flicker and we start losing attention from Ramadan’s teachings. This is a common experience of the majority of us. As the month progresses, some start to find themselves flaky and begin to let go. 

However, if we, for one second, forget Ramadan as just one month that will pass, and start imagining it to be something that is there to teach us lessons for all year round. How different would our approach be? A lot of us focus on just one aspect of Ramadan and that is fasting. But, upon deeper reflection, we realise that it is so much more than that. 

Ramadan shows us our potential and who we truly can be. Through abstaining from food and drink, we are given a chance to feel the struggles and pain of people who have very little to no means to get even the most basic food items. This opens our hearts, which makes us sympathise with them and makes us want to help them out. 

One of the most difficult things to do is practise patience. By holding back our tongue, not indulging in arguments, and letting go, we are given a chance to actively practise patience. But if it still feels difficult then try remembering this ayah from the Quran “O believers! Seek comfort in patience and prayer. Allah is truly with those who are patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:153). 

The various acts of worship such as performing namaz, reading/listening to the Quran, saying dhikr and giving charity are extremely important but these acts are expected from us in the month. What about the acts that are not expected or are not told to us explicitly? These acts include not lying, thinking good thoughts about others, forgiving because you want to be forgiven by Allah. These are also a form of ibadah because it shows one has Taqwa (God consciousness). 

While the month of Ramadan is nearing its end, we shouldn’t part ways with Ramadan teachings. Ramadan shows us the kind of discipline and determination we are capable of so why not make it a point to carry it throughout the year instead of just one month. After all, if there is a will, there is always a way.  

They say, “no act of kindness is ever wasted.” In our daily lives, while sipping tea or coffee, scrolling through our feeds on social media, we constantly read about everything that is going wrong. Yet, we never stop looking for some good news, some act of kindness to remind us that no matter how scarce, humanity is still alive. We, as muslims, are quite frequently told to remember the mercy and kindness that our beloved Prophet (PBUH) displayed in his conduct with people of all ages and statuses. 

Call it a spiritual calling or a soul-calming-need, but the desire to see displays of kindness increases many folds during the Holy month of Ramadan. And many of us are actually able to spot them. Apart from it being encouraged by our religion, Islam, kindness has a significantly positive impact on our physical as well as mental well-being. We humans are designed to exist in communities which requires cooperation, reliance, and genuine connections. Being kind to one another psychologically makes us feel safe and seen by strengthening our sense of brotherhood. 

Moreover, whenever we display an act of kindness towards others, our bodies release feel-good or happy hormones called dopamine and serotonin, which improve mood and decrease stress levels. God knows how much we need them!

Acts of kindness are contagious. Just like when we see someone smile, we start smiling, when we witness someone being kind, we want to do the same. Whether it is talking to someone politely even when they are testing our patience, or helping someone in need. Kindness not only helps us on a personal and spiritual level, it also strengthens our bond with people. So if you are looking for a reason or a way to do something kind, here is a link for donations to help our brothers and sisters in Sudan. 

Overall, kindness is what keeps alive our sense of togetherness in difficult times and makes us believe that we are not alone and there is always someone out there who has mercy and kindness in their hearts. 

Ramadan in the GTA honestly feels like its own little season. The city slows down during the day, then right before maghrib every halal restaurant parking lot suddenly fills up, everyone is texting their friends about iftar plans, and by midnight the dessert spots are packed.If you’ve spent Ramadan in Toronto or Mississauga before, you know the routine: iftar buffet with family, taraweeh at the masjid, then late-night chai or kunafa with friends.The good news is the halal food scene in the GTA has only gotten better, and a lot of restaurants are offering Ramadan buffets, extended hours, and special menus this year.So if you’re looking for places to break your fast, grab suhoor, or satisfy that late-night sweet tooth, here are some halal Ramadan food spots across the GTA worth checking out.

Mississauga is easily one of the biggest hubs for halal Ramadan buffets in the GTA, especially if you’re craving Pakistani, Middle Eastern, or Turkish food.Some restaurants offering Ramadan iftar buffet options include:HakkaliciousIf you’re in the mood for halal Hakka food, this is a great option. Think chilli chicken, noodles, and fried rice — the kind of comfort food that hits perfectly after a long fast.HaveliA solid spot for Pakistani dishes like biryani, BBQ, curries, and classic iftar staples.Highway KarahiOne of the most popular Pakistani restaurants in theKarachi XpressA favourite for traditional Pakistani comfort food like nihari, biryani, and grilled meats.Kolachi InnOne of the more affordable Ramadan buffet options if you’re going with a big group.MadoIf you want something different from the usual South Asian iftar spots, Mado offers a Turkish-style Ramadan buffetwith grilled meats and Turkish desserts.PetraA Palestinian restaurant offering Middle Eastern dishes and iftar buffets.Sultan AhmetAnother Turkish restaurant known for elegant Ramadan spreads and kebab platters.Most buffets in Mississauga range roughly between $20–$60 depending on weekday vs weekend, but it’s always worth calling ahead to confirm pricing and availability.

Scarborough has always been one of the best areas in Toronto for halal food, and Ramadan is no exception.Some spots offering Ramadan buffets include:Affy’s Premium GrillGreat for big group iftars. Their menu mixes steakhouse-style halal food with South Asian and fusion dishes.Karachi Nihari BBQPerfect if you’re craving authentic Pakistani dishes like nihari, BBQ, and curries.Tandoori FeastOne of the more budget-friendly halal Ramadan buffet options in Scarborough.Naan KabobAn Afghan restaurant known for grilled kabobs and rice platters that are perfect for sharing.

If you’re in Mississauga during Ramadan, there’s a very high chance you’ll end up at Ridgeway Plaza at least once. It’s honestly become one of the biggest halal food hubs in the GTA, especially after iftar and taraweeh.By around 10 or 11pm, the whole plaza starts buzzing. You’ll see families, students, and big friend groups walking around trying to decide where to eat next or grabbing something small before heading home.A few spots people keep going back to during Ramadan include:Soul 5Soul 5 has become a go-to if you’re looking for bold fusion halal comfort food. It’s one of those places where you go with friends and just order a bunch of things for the table. Their menu mixes different flavours and it’s perfect for late-night Ramadan food runs.NamkeenNamkeen is one of those places that blends Pakistani flavours with Western comfort food, and honestly it works. If you go, the waffle fried chicken sandwich is a must try — crispy, sweet, spicy, and kind of addictive. Their spicy smashburger is also one of the best things on the menu and definitely worth ordering if you’re hungry after a long fast.Nawab’s BBQNawab’s BBQ is a lifesaver during Ramadan because it’s open 24 hours. Whether you’re grabbing something late after taraweeh or looking for a proper suhoor meal, this spot always comes through. Their BBQ and traditional Pakistani dishes make it a reliable stop when you want something filling.Ridgeway Plaza during Ramadan is honestly less about choosing one restaurant and more about the whole experience — walking around with friends, trying different spots, and staying out way later than usual.

If you’re craving something sweet after taraweeh, Kanafani has quickly become one of the most popular dessert spots in the GTA.They specialize in Middle Eastern sweets like:• fresh kunafa• pistachio desserts• syrup-soaked pastries• specialty Ramadan dessertsThey’ve also introduced new menu items recently, which makes it even more tempting to stop by after iftar.If you’ve never tried kunafa fresh out of the oven, Ramadan is honestly the perfect time.

Every Ramadan needs a late-night coffee run, and in the GTA one spot that keeps coming up in everyone’s group chats is Aura.Aura has become a bit of a go-to hangout spot during Ramadan, and this year they’ve introduced special Ramadan hours — open daily from 6PM to 12AM.It’s the perfect stop after taraweeh if you’re not ready to go home yet.And if you go, there are two things you absolutely have to try:The Lotus ChaiCreamy, spiced, and honestly addictive. It’s one of those drinks people keep going back for.Dubai Chocolate PuddingRich, chocolatey, and completely over the top in the best way. Definitely one of those desserts that makes you say “okay I’m coming back tomorrow.”Between the coffee, desserts, and the late-night Ramadan energy, Aura has definitely become one of the most iconic Ramadan café spots in the GTA.

For anyone who stays up late during Ramadan, having a good suhoor spot makes a huge difference.One halal brunch spot that’s been getting attention during Ramadan is Eggstatic.During the month, certain Eggstatic locations offer extended suhoor hours, serving their brunch menu late into the night so people can grab something filling before starting their fast.Instead of rushing a quick meal at home, you can get things like:• loaded egg sandwiches• breakfast wraps• pancakes• specialty coffee drinksJust keep in mind that suhoor hours are only available at select locations, so it’s worth checking their socials before heading out.

One of the best things about Ramadan in Toronto is how the whole halal food scene comes alive.Restaurants stay open late, dessert spots are packed after taraweeh, and suddenly the city feels like it’s running on a completely different schedule.Whether you’re going for a halal iftar buffet in Mississauga, grabbing Pakistani food in Scarborough, heading to Ridgeway Plaza for late-night eats, or finishing the night with kunafa at Kanafani or chai at Aura, there are so many places in the GTA to enjoy the spirit of Ramadan.And honestly, some of the best Ramadan memories are made around those tables — tired, hungry, laughing with friends, and grateful for that first sip of water at maghrib.Ramadan Mubarak.