April 02, 2022 | MANHATTAN, NY: In a historical event to commence Ramadan, hundreds of Muslim New Yorkers gathered for congregational prayer in Times Square. Ramadan started with sunset Friday night, and the fast started Saturday morning with sunrise.
“A place that was once a beacon of hatred, now is the center of love.” -SQ
We spoke with “SQ” who organized the event called “Taraweeh in Times Square” and he explained the 30-day holiday in which Muslims recite the entire Quran. SQ also spoke to us about the challenges of being a Muslim in NYC post 9/11.
“This is a historical event, this has never ever ever happened in the history of New York City. We talk about 9/11, how that shaped the Muslims, forever here in New York City. Growing up in New York City, getting bullied for being brown” said SQ, organizer of the event,
SQ went on to say, “It’s as simple as that. Forget being Muslim, being brown was the reason you were bullied. And guess what happens? Now that same person who’s being bullied is having a congregational prayer in a place that was once a beacon of hatred, now is the center of love.”
Many will begin their fast and are having their last meals as they pray in famous Times Square.
Ramadan, also spelled Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan or Ramathan, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community
Video by Ken Lopez (FreedomNewsTV)
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