New York: Muslims Mark 1st Night of Ramadan with Prayers at Times Square
Dozens of Muslims came together on Sunday night to perform the Taraweeh prayers, an integral part of Ramadan's nightly observances.
Salman al-Hanafy, a 20-year-old forklift operator from Cairo, shared his experience: “It's good to come here as Muslims. I saw Muslims from everywhere -- I was surprised, it's my first time here. I wanted to come and see the community,” AFP reported.
The event also served as a cultural bridge, with volunteers distributing copies of the Quran to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Ahmad Yasar, a 20-year-old IT student, was among those handing out the holy books. “A lot of people are interested in the Quran, we have almost run out of French ones. It explains the importance of fasting during Ramadan,” he said.
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Despite the cold and wind, the faithful remained undeterred, their prayers accompanied by the chanting of Nasheeds and children reciting Quranic verses.
The gathering was not just a spiritual occasion but also a demonstration of solidarity, with Palestinian flags present in a show of support for those oppressed in the Gaza Strip.
The organizers found innovative ways to enhance the prayer experience, projecting prayers onto a white sheet, making the sacred words a part of the city's landscape.
These communal prayers are a powerful way to “raise awareness and show people what's going on around the world," Yasar added.
Source: Agencies
