New York: During the holy month of Ramadan, mosques and Islamic centers across the United States transform into vibrant spaces of compassion and community for Arab and Muslim communities. Beyond being places of worship, these centers resonate with spirituality and extend their activities to reflect the core values of Ramadan through acts of charity.
According to Qatar News Agency, as the Muslim population grows across American cities and states, Ramadan celebrations have become more prominent. Religious, educational, and cultural events are frequently held to reinforce identity and a sense of belonging among Arab and Muslim communities within a multicultural society.
Major cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Houston witness increasing turnout at mosques for Isha and Taraweeh prayers. Islamic associations and centers also organize awareness campaigns, aiming to educate younger generations, particularly those born and raised away from their homelands, about the traditions and spiritual values of Ramadan.
Collective Iftar meals are one of the most remarkable aspects of Ramadan in numerous U.S. cities and states. Daily Iftar gatherings hosted by mosques and Islamic centers cater to hundreds of fasting individuals, especially expatriates, students, and low-income families. At Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque in Virginia, one of the largest mosques in the US, Iftar tables host over a thousand people daily, symbolizing the cultural diversity within the Muslim community.
Imam of Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque Sheikh Farhan Siddiqi told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that Ramadan Iftar gatherings serve as a means to strengthen bonds of brotherhood, solidarity, and to uphold authentic Islamic values among diverse Muslim and Arab communities in the US.
In New York, the Times Square Iftar draws notable participation from Muslim communities and others alike. Organized annually, the event introduces Ramadan's spirit to the global square with communal meals.
Hassan Al Shami, one of the event's organizers, told QNA that these initiatives foster cultural understanding between Muslims and broader American society. They highlight values of compassion and solidarity, showcasing Ramadan beyond mosques and Islamic centers to streets, stores, and restaurants. These establishments now serve special Iftar meals and decorate their fronts with Ramadan lanterns, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
In California, Islamic organizations are actively running charitable campaigns during Ramadan, distributing Ramadan food baskets to impoverished families and providing hot meals to passersby in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Sarah Ibrahim, an activist at one of these organizations, told QNA that Ramadan, as a month of mercy and giving, inspires initiatives aimed at everyone, regardless of religion or ethnicity. These efforts strengthen connections between Muslim communities and wider American society.
Ramadan activities are not limited to charity but extend to cultural dimensions. Islamic centers organize exhibitions and seminars to educate American society about Ramadan traditions. In Detroit, home to one of the largest Muslim communities in the US, a Ramadan Festival includes cultural events, poetry evenings, and Ramadan markets showcasing traditional goods from various Islamic countries.
Sheikh Abdul Quddus Mohammed, a member of the Federation of Mosques and Islamic Associations in Winston-Salem, emphasized to QNA that Ramadan in the US is not just a time for fasting and worship. It is also an opportunity to foster community cohesion and introduce Islamic values through daily practices that reflect tolerance and coexistence.
He concluded by stressing that the Muslim population in the US plays a pivotal role in showcasing Islam's essence of compassion and peace through Ramadan events and activities, which contribute to fostering understanding and coexistence in diverse American society.