Ramadan has always been significant to Muslims as a time to devote themselves to their faith. However, this year’s Ramadan is unique for many Muslim university students across Canada because the holiest month in the Islamic faith coincides with final exam season.
Achieving balance between multiple identities was never an easy task. Throughout Ramadan, Hanzalah Hussain, an international student from Pakistan at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, has had to juggle his responsibilities as a university student and his commitment to his Muslim faith. That has included fasting between dawn and dusk while also studying for final exams and working at a part-time job.
Hanzalah Hussain stands during the Eid-ul-fitr prayer at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon on Monday.Heywood Yu/The Globe and Mail
Hanzalah Hussain, right, embraces Muhammad Ali Warraich, left, after the Eid-ul-fitr prayer at Prairieland Park. 'Eid, for Muslims is pretty much how Christmas is for Christians, so it's kind of like the one celebration you kinda want to spend with your family and stuff,' said Hussain.Heywood Yu/The Globe and Mail
Hanzalah Hussain bows during the Eid-ul-fitr prayer at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon on Monday.Heywood Yu/The Globe and Mail
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