Reflections on Ramadan and the significance of fasting

As Muslims worldwide markthe holy month of Ramadan, wedelve into whatthe religious practice means to some of the 125,000 Calgarians who celebrate it.

Fasting from dawn until dusk can mean going without food and water for threequarters of the day in Calgary.

"Usually, people are pretty surprised," said Syed Taha.

"They're like, 'How are you able to even survive?Eighteen hours without a single drop of water?'"

• Ramadan in Calgary: What you need to know
• 3 tips to fast safely during Ramadan

But the fasting is as much about empowerment as it is restriction, saidTalha Ahmed.

"It shows us that you are able to accomplish much more than you think that you can."

In this video, hear from the Muslims who celebrate Ramadan as they share what it means to them, what it teaches them about themselves, and how those lessons stay with them long afterEidal-Fitr.