‘Share our blessings’: Muslims observing Ramadan invite you to join South Florida iftars

Grethel Aguila
·3 min read

For a month, Muslims around the world forgo food and water from dawn to sunset.

On Thursday, many Muslims in Miami began observing Ramadan — considered the most sacred month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims also take the month to reflect, give to charity and abstain from other worldly pleasures during the daylight hours.

READ MORE: Ramadan is a time for Muslims to reflect, while giving back to this community | Opinion

Those observing the fast wake up before dawn to eat a meal known as suhoor. They don’t eat again until iftar, a meal after sunset during which families and community members come together to enjoy spreads of dishes.

If you’ve never experienced an iftar — or if you’re seeking a community to break your fast, keep in mind that several South Florida mosques and Islamic centers open their doors for Ramadan. These open houses are an opportunity to learn more about the Islamic faith and immerse yourself in the festive spirit of the holy month.

“Ramadan for Muslims is a month of expiation, reflection, mercy and closeness to the almighty,” added Tehsin Siddiqui, president of the Coalition of South Florida Muslims. “These open houses serve as opportunity to get together to break bread with our community members and build upon our shared values and experience and develop an understanding and spirit to do greater good.”

Members of Masjid An-Noor, the mosque connected to The Islamic School of Miami in West Kendall, pray before Ramadan last year. During the 30-day period, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset to focus on prayer, self-reflection and helping those in need.
Members of Masjid An-Noor, the mosque connected to The Islamic School of Miami in West Kendall, pray before Ramadan last year. During the 30-day period, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset to focus on prayer, self-reflection and helping those in need.

For Khalid Mirza, Ramadan is a month of sharing and giving.

That’s why the Islamic Center of Greater Miami has hosted community iftars for more than 10 years. The dinner will allow friends and neighbors to learn about the holy month.

“A lot of people don’t know exactly what we do, how we do it, why we do it,” Mirza said. “We want to share with them the experience... We also want to share our blessings with the other community members here.”

Where can you join an iftar?

▪ March 23 @ 7:30 p.m. Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, 245 NE 4th St. in Downtown Miami. Contact Jamil Rizvi at 305-607-1768.

▪March 27 @ 7 p.m. Islamic School of Miami, 11699 SW 147th Ave. in The Hammocks. Contact Naveed Anjum at 786-512-3150 for more information.

▪March 28 @ 7 p.m. Islamic Center of Greater Miami, 4305 NW 183rd St. in Miami Gardens. Contact Khalid Mirza at 305-904-0074.

▪March 28 @ 7:30 p.m. Miami Dade College Hialeah Campus, 1780 W 49th St. in Hialeah. Contact Jamil Rizvi at 305-607-1768.

▪March 31 @ 7 p.m. Jamaat Ul Muttaqeen, 1010 SW 196th Ave. in Pembroke Pines. Contact Amelia Mohamed at 954-651-3696.

▪April 1 @ 7:15 p.m. Islamic Jafferia Association, 10554 NW 132nd St. In Hialeah. Contact Jamil Rizvi at 305-607-1768.

▪April 1 @ 7 p.m. Masjid Al-Ihsaan, 10180 SW 168th St. in West Perrine. Contact Naeem Ramatally at 850-443-4352.

▪April 2 @ 7 p.m. Al Amin Center of Florida, 8101 S Military Trail in Boynton Beach. Contact Muntassir Ahmed at 561-212-5941.

▪April 4 @ 7 p.m. Islamic Center of Boca Raton, 3480 NW 5th Ave. in Boca Raton. Contact Basim Alhalabi at 561-239-1849.

▪April 6 @ 7 p.m. Islamic Foundation of South Florida, 5455 NW 108th Ave. in Sunrise. Contact Shehryar Wahid at 954-605-2942.

▪April 6 @ 7 p.m. Masjid Al-Ansar, 5245 NW 7th Ave. in Liberty City. Contact Patricia Salahuddin at 786-797-0504.

▪April 12 @ 7 p.m. Islamic Center of Boca Raton, 3480 NW 5th Ave. in Boca Raton. Contact Basim Alhalabi at 561-239-1849.

▪April 13 @ 7:30 p.m. Nur Ul Islam, 10600 SW 59th St. in Cooper City. Contact Twahir Rehman at 954-326-1067.