Chaplain General Message for Ramadan 2021

April 14, 2021 - Defence Stories

On behalf of the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service, and as your Chaplain General, I would like to extend my best wishes to Muslim members of the National Defence Team and to Muslims around the world who are preparing to welcome the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which starts this week.

For Muslims, Ramadan is a time of personal sacrifice as well as a time of inner reflection, worship, self-control, and altruism, which can lead the devoted to spiritual awakening and renewal. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset every day. This means abstaining from food and drink - including water - during the daylight hours.

Fasting offers our Muslim brothers and sisters many benefits. It offers a time for Muslims to "purify" their bodies as well as their souls, by developing a greater sense of humility, patience and spiritual focus. In normal conditions, Ramadan is a special time for community and hospitality, a time of sharing and caring for each other, also characterized by a greater sense of generosity and forgiveness.

We recognize the important role of Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence Muslims within our Defence Team, whose skills and diversity expand our cultural intelligence and operational capability, thus increasing our collective strength. We are grateful for their contributions to our country.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Muslim members who are observing this holy month, a time of reflection, of family togetherness, and of good health.

 

Happy Ramadan.  Ramadan Mubarak!

Major General J.J.G. Chapdelaine
Chaplain General