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Muslims will soon begin observing Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar — observed worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer and reflection.
Muslim communities in Pasadena will host events the next several weeks to commemorate the holy month.
Omar Ricci, spokesperson for the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) said Ramadan is a period where Muslims follow two practices.
“Number one, they fast from food and drink, including water, smoking and sex during the daylight hours from dawn until sunset every day for the entire month,” said Ricci. “The second thing is practicing a higher level of self-discipline, patience, charity and worship of God. Just an overall effort to improve one’s character during this month.”
This year, Ramadan starts at sunset on March 22 and ends at sunset on April 20.
Ricci said the ICSC will host services to commemorate the holy month of fasting.
Unlike the previous years, upcoming services for Ramadan will be held in-person this year.
“We will bring back fully all of our in-person gatherings that we had pre pandemic,” Ricci said. “There will be prayers every night after sunset and opportunities for the community to come and gather for sort of a communal worship and other sort of programs that will be beyond the prayers to increase our faith.”
There will be live streaming of services to accommodate those who cannot attend in person. “That’s intended primarily for those who are elderly or who are sick or are just not able to make it to the mosque,” said Ricci.
As per Ricci, the local Muslim community will also be holding services at First United Methodist Church in Pasadena on the nights of March 28, April 4, April 11, and April 28, and at New Horizon School Pasadena on April 7 and 14, to commemorate Ramadan.
New Horizon School in Pasadena will host its well-known Eid al-Fitr Breakfast at the end of the month of Ramadan on Friday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Between 400 to 500 people typically join the event to enjoy a delicious breakfast and dessert buffet, gourmet coffee and tea, snacks and treats and fun-filled family activities like carnival rides, game booths, face painting and many others.
New Horizon School Advancement Director Maryam Saleem said any donations New Horizon School receive, 10% of those proceeds goes to Islamic Relief.
“Charity is a key part of Ramadan. New Horizon raises funds throughout the month of fasting. With our school’s commitment to the betterment of community, we partner with a partner charity. This year, we collectively feel the need to support our brothers and sisters in Syria and Turkey, after the disastrous earthquake. So, we have partnered with Islamic Relief, a well-known international charity organization, that is providing direct aid on the ground in Syria and Turkey.” Saleemi said. So, 10% of our Ramadan donations will go to Islamic Relief.”
Last year, New Horizon partnered with Afghan Refugee Relief, which provides aid and essential items to recently-settled refugees from Afghanistan. This year, Ramadan donations will go towards both Islamic Relief and the needs of the school.
“The Eid Breakfast is a celebratory event, commemorating a month long of fasting. Everyone is welcome to attend and join the festivities. It is a special time especially our youth to feel the power of our community and feel proud to be Muslim.”
To get tickets, click this link. And to donate to the Ramadan Campaign, click this link.
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