LOS ANGELES, 9 October 2005 — Muslims who are temporarily residing in the United States, and who are fasting this Ramadan, say they miss the communal feeling of fasting that they have in their home countries, but that they still observe the month of devotion with equal fervor.
Many noted the many differences between observing Ramadan in Muslim and non-Muslim nations.
“Ramadan is a month that is highly anticipated in Muslim nations and as a result intense preparations are taken for that month,” said Karma. “In other nations there isn’t that same sense of anticipation and excitement and I really miss that.”
In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Ramadan lights are lit across the Corniche, special TV programs are screened and people all wish each other “Happy Ramadan.”
It is not quite the same being abroad in a non-Muslim country such as the US, where most of the people are unaware of the fact that it is Ramadan.
“In my house I feel it is Ramadan,” said Heba. “I know it because my mom is making soups and “sambousaks”. There is Qur’an playing in the background and everyone is suddenly behaving better during this month.”
Heba explained that once she leaves her house it no longer feels like it is Ramadan, and that it was up to her to keep reminding herself that it is an important month in Islam.
“One of the things I really miss is going out late at night and enjoying the night life of Ramadan,” said Hassan. “Back home I could go out to a cafe with friends eat, play cards, stay out until the crack of dawn and people around me would be doing the same. Night sort of turns to day and people are moving around, shopping and enjoying themselves. I can’t really do that here in the US.”
In countries with a majority of Muslims certain provisions such as later working hours and a holiday are in place for the month. However, in other countries Muslims do not have these privileges.
“We can’t expect to get treated any differently just because we’re fasting,” said Samah Mujahid, who lives in the US. “This is America there are people with different faiths and they too have to put up with certain inconveniences.”
Many Muslim communities in America have joined together to make Ramadan more special. Islamic organizations and councils usually hold banquets and events to commemorate this special month.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a nonprofit civil rights advocacy group, annually holds a one-month drive to raise money. This year their goal is to raise $1 million, which will be used to enhance understanding of Islam and defend American Muslims.
The Arab-American Cultural and Community Center in Los Angeles is one of the many organizations that will be holding events. One of these is a Ramadan tent where people can enjoy a choice of food, sweets, hot and cold beverages, coffee and tea, argila, card games, backgammon, children’s games, and music.
Students on university and high school campuses also play their part. Muslim student associations on campuses hold free iftar meals for anyone present. Together students break their fast, pray, and then dive into a good meal. More importantly, non-Muslims are invited to join in on the event, giving them a chance to learn more about the religion and what it stands for.
Muslims around the world understand that Ramadan is a time for family and religious devotion.
“My family and I always break fast together and then we all go to the mosque afterward,” said Sumiyia Jafri.
“We also visit our family members and have iftar together. One week it will be at our house, next at my aunts, next at my grandparents. It’s kind of on a rotating basis. Its great fun, you see your family, eat, and enjoy.”
