Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset during the 30 days of Ramadan to teach self-control and discipline and one Calgary family is making the evening meal into a community event.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and fasting is a way for worshippers to improve moral character and for spiritual renewal.

The fast is broken after the sunset prayer with a meal known as IFTAR and many go to local mosques to pray and eat together at the end of the day.

The celebration is also a time for Muslims to reflect on their lives and for many, like Polad Mirzayev, it is also an opportunity to give back to others.

Mirzayev wanted to share his culture and educate his community about Ramadan so he invited all of his neighbours over to share the evening meal.

“We actually wanted people to come over and see how it is, like, what it is, what do Muslim people do during Ramadan and how do they break the fast, maybe share some of the spirit of Ramadan,” said Mirzayev.

A number of people in the community had never met each other and dozens showed up for a little food and conversation.

“They said we’re having a Ramadan get together in the neighbourhood, we thought that sounds like a wonderful time to meet some of the neighbours and see some of the folks we don't yet know from a little further down the street from where we are,” said David Clarke.

“And to learn about new cultures and we’re interested in learning about Ramadan a bit more and to get Alice to learn about it already,” said Genevieve Clarke.

“I'm his neighbor too, but I haven't met some other neighbors and it's kind of a neighbourhood party type of thing, you know, all of us are here and sharing each other’s thoughts and all things,” said Khalid Choudhary.

Mirzayev says as a Canadian Muslim it’s especially important these days to reach out to others.

“We have a lot of stereotypes about Muslims or in general about Islam and stuff and we just want to break the stereotypes because that’s not what it is these days and I want people to feel positive about Islam in general or Muslims in general,” he said.

Mirzayev spent several days going door to door inviting people to the meal at his home and he says it was worth it to turn neighbours into friends.

Ramadan ends in a celebration called Eid ul-Fitr and will be on July 6th or 7th, depending on the sighting of the moon.

(With files from Chris Epp)