Ramadan 1444 H: US Muslims Again Hold Iftar And Tarawih Times Square New York Prayers, Some Say Syahadat

JAKARTA - Hundreds of United States Muslims are again holding breaking their fast and Tarawih prayers in the Times Square area, New York at the end of last week, after similar activities were carried out last year.

This final event was organized by Muslim social media influencer SQ in collaboration with Muslims Giving Back and Droplets of Mercy.

Dahlia Tarek, who was present with her family and friends, said it was important to provide space for people to ask questions about Islam in an open and friendly environment.

"I think the fact that this event is held in the most busy part of the city is a great thing," said Dahlia, as reported by The National News March 29.

"I hope this event continues every year, because it is very good and I hope the population continues to grow," he continued.

At sunset, readers of Al-Qur'an Faisal Latif and Faraj Hasan lead the prayer, for then people to start breaking the fast with the free food that has been provided.

Muslims Giving Back said they distributed more than 2,000 foods consisting of dates, water, pizza, and gyro bread, in collaboration with food sponsors. Several hundred people stayed and followed Tarawih prayers.

A number of Muslim figures from various backgrounds in the United States, gave speeches in this activity. Among them, Muhammad Abdul-Aleem (also known as HoopFinesse), who is the MC of the event, and blogger Faduma Mohamed, aka speakpure, who was invited as guest speakers.

It said the purpose of the event was to help non-Muslims of New York to find out how Ramadan was celebrated.

"Of course Islamophobia is increasing and our religion is one of the most misunderstood religions in the world, but we are the fastest growing religion in the world," said SQ.

He added that the event, which was held under neon lights and advertisements in the most famous square in New York, was an opportunity for Muslims to gather, as well as help others learn more about Islam.

During prayer, a projector features verses of the Qur'an read out, along with English translations.

Meanwhile, Yamina Kezadri of Muslim Giving Back said this event was an example of "dakwah through actions". Da'wah is an act of spreading or blaspheming Islam.

"You don't just say da'wah or do da'wah to people by distributing pamphlets or providing information, but also show and present ourselves as Muslims and what we do for our community," he explained.

Separately, Haeiko totals, who was visiting New York from Germany, discovered the event while traveling in Times Square.

"I think it's a great idea to do in public and everyone has a chance to understand," the tourist said.

Representatives from the Jamil Foundation for Children and Youth answered the questions raised, provided literature and learning materials, and distributed the translation of the Qur'an in English and Spanish for free.

At the end of the night, two people migrated and embraced Islam after listening to the reading of the Qur'an.

"That is the highlight of the show," said SQ.