Motion Commemoration Muslim Holidays in Burnaby Passed Unanimously at City Council

(From: The Bc Muslim Association (BCMA)
October 3, 2022 – Burnaby, B.C.) Members of the BCMA media team, Masjid Al-Salaam
(Canada Way, Burnaby), and the Muslim community of Burnaby presented to the Burnaby City Council on a motion to recognize Muslim holidays and celebrations.
This motion, drafted in collaboration with members of Burnaby’s united Muslim community, calls for the recognition of important Muslim holidays like Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, which are particularly meaningful to the city’s entire Muslim population.
The motion was put forward by Burnaby City Councillor Alison Gu and seconded by
Councillor Pietro Calendino. It was passed unanimously by Mayor Mike Hurley, Councillor Sav Dhaliwal, Councillor Mike Hillman, Councillor Dan Johnston, Councillor Colleen Jordan, Councillor Joe Keithley, and Councillor James Wang
While the motion is not yet a formal statutory holiday such as Christmas, it is a milestone for the Muslim community such as addition to the City of Burnaby calendar as an observed holiday, City’s social media and websites, highlighting work being done by local Muslim charities and the community and observing iftars.
The BCMA was founded 56 years ago to provide spiritual and social support for the Muslim community of B.C. Today, for the benefit of Muslims we support 19 branches and chapters, 22 satellite musallas, 2 schools, and cradle to the grave services for 100,000 Muslims in the province.
As part of our commitment to building strong and meaningful relationships between Muslims and other communities we are working with organizations, communities, and governments across B.C. and Canada to support Muslims and the beautiful image of Islam.
The motion resolved that:
A. THAT the City of Burnaby adds the month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, to its official celebrations and observations calendar.
B. THAT the City acknowledges Ramadan on its social media and website.
C. THAT the City investigates the possibility of co-hosting a yearly iftar dinner once during the month of Ramadan at sunset, collaborating with the local Muslim community, and in the Ramadan spirit of inclusivity and community, also invite groups and leaders representing other major faiths and First Nations.
D. THAT the City use the month of Ramadan to highlight the work being done by Muslim charities and the Muslim community in the city.
This motion serves as an illustration of how all communities are welcomed and recognized in Burnaby’s rich cultural diversity and shows support for the tens of thousands of Muslims who call the city home.
By: Muhammad Asad Gondal
President, The BC Muslim Association