The morning meal is usually taken at home, because it is so early, but in the evenings, meals are shared at each masjid, as well as in people’s homes with fellow Muslims, neighbors and friends.
It is a time to be thankful and to have empathy for those who go hungry all year long. After dinner, lots of people stay late into the night to participate in special prayers called Taraweeh, which are only offered during Ramadan.
One-thirtieth of the Qur’an is recited each night in these prayers to complete the reading by the end of the month.
Keeping such a schedule can be difficult when one works in a 24-hour tourist industry, but observant Muslims tell me, “Yes, we’re tired, but it’s worth it. The benefits of Ramadan are too great to miss and it’s only once a year.”
After all the benefits and making such sacrifices, though, everyone will be overjoyed to celebrate the Eid.
After a special prayer in the morning, this year anticipated on Aug. 19 or 20, there will be new clothes, presents, especially for the children, trips to the beach, Steel Pier and other area amusement parks and, of course, lots of eating.
Turiya S.A. Raheem was born and raised in Atlantic City. Currently an English teacher at Atlantic Cape Community College, she loves to describe her neighborhood as “the other Atlantic City,” because it was not the casino-resort mecca most people know today. It was a place with a “cozy, down-home feeling” as she describes in her 2010 book, Growing Up in the Other Atlantic City: Wash’s and the Northside.
Read more of 'The Other Atlantic City' columns by clicking here.
Article:
Orchestral Academy Performs First Public Concert
Article:
Atlantic City's Homeless Problem and the Mentally Ill
Article:
Meeting Atlantic City's Democratic Mayoral Candidates
Article:
Jacob Lawrence Day in Atlantic City
Article:
Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Atlantic City
Article:
Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month
Article:
Governor Christie and Pam Breaux Encouraging at Tourism Conference
1. karen b. said... on Aug 17, 2012 at 10:08AM
“Very informative. Sounds like a great time of renewal for those who observe the days of fasting.”
2. Hassan said... on Aug 17, 2012 at 10:49AM
“As always, I have been blessed for the month of Ramadan. This year the school where I was working closed so I am unemployed, giving me a "free" schedule that allows me time for all of the prayers mentioned attending a class every evening at the Masjid, and doing some much-needed improvements/repairs at the Masjid. This is a huge contrast to being at work last Ramadan, one particular day for 12 hours, outside when the temperature was above 100 degrees - with not even a sip of water. We as Muslims try to make the best of Ramadan as year could be our last. May Allah (Arabic for "the God") accept our fast and make it easy, especially for those who must work in some of the conditions mentioned in the article.”
3. Marte' King -Abdul Qawi said... on Aug 18, 2012 at 08:52AM
“Alhamdulillah”
4. AC Sunni Ashari Maliki said... on Aug 25, 2012 at 03:36AM
“Thank you sister Turiya for this wonderful article!”
5. valeria marcus said... on Aug 28, 2012 at 01:20PM
“Very informative article with a wealth of knowledge about the Muslim population in Atlantic City. And even better we have visitors who seek out a mosque to pray and worship in Atlantic City too. The word speaks about fasting and praying!”
6. Sybil said... on Aug 28, 2012 at 01:58PM
“During Ramadan, however, you’ll find many Muslims visiting all of the various masajid for prayers and Iftar (break-fast meal) in a spirit of universal brotherhood/sisterhood.
AND YOUCAN FIND THEM -SOME OF THEM VISITNG THE PROSTITUTES..THAT IS A FACT CHECK RIKERS ISLAND IN NYC FOR STATS
”
7. turiya said... on Aug 29, 2012 at 03:52PM
“Soooooooooo, what's your point, Sybil --- that Muslims are human too?”