By Areena Ali Memon
July/August 2023
Ramadan does not have to just be a month of individual worship. It can also be an opportunity for Muslims to strengthen community ties through iftar gatherings and taraweeh prayers. However, for Muslims in the West, the question remains whether they need to do more. Immigrants often miss the festivities and family gatherings they experienced growing up. Muslims born and raised in North America envy the Ramadan vibes they see in countries with a Muslim majority.
In Dearborn, Mich., Hassan Chami, a dedicated father and pharmacist, took it upon himself to revive the festive spirit of Ramadan. His vision became a reality in 2018. As its name suggests, Suhoor Fest is centered around the morning meal prior to starting the fast. The Michigan Suhoor Fest started in a parking lot, and has since grown significantly. This past Ramadan, it took place every weekend. The continued success and growth reflect how popular it is within the community. For Alina Alam, a popular food blogger @foodiesnapper and mother in the Dearborn community, Chami’s vision evoked cherished childhood memories from Pakistan.
The Dallas-area Suhoor Fest was a one-night event organized at the Qalam Institute. The response was overwhelming, with more than 10,000 attendees. Afaf Masood, mother of four, was thrilled to be part of the inaugural Texas Suhoor Fest.
As a mother of teenagers, Masood strongly advocates for highlighting the enjoyable aspects of Islam, particularly for Muslim children growing up in the West. “Muslim children deserve opportunities for halal fun. We need alternatives for holidays like Halloween,” she said. Alam also emphasized the significance of such events providing an alcohol-free and music-free environment, addressing a major concern for Muslims in North America.
Bonding Over Food
Such events are also a great opportunity to reflect the diverse cuisines in the Muslim community. Adding to the charm of the Dearborn event, Ali Wazne and his team from Paradise Street Eats presented a delightful fusion of Indian cuisine. Their Paradise-loaded fries and butter chicken tacos on fresh chapati were particularly well-received. Wazne expressed their passion for making Indian food more accessible and exciting. Additionally, their fresh tropical coconuts became a popular treat at the Suhoor Fest. While some may question the focus on food in Muslim events, Masood pointed out that food plays a significant role in fostering connections, particularly among the youth.
Alam and Masood highlighted that Suhoor Fest is a family-oriented event. They were pleased to see grandparents, parents, and children come together and spend quality time bonding with one another and creating special Ramadan memories. This is a significant aspect to consider, especially in a time when many of the elderly yearn for company.
The primary objective behind Suhoor Fest was to add some festivity in Ramadan for Muslims. However, people who were not Muslim enjoyed the traditional and fusion food options. Organizers wanted the festival to showcase how hospitality in Islam can play a major role in uniting neighbors. “Sharing food is a great way for people of different cultures and beliefs to come together and build bridges of friendship and harmony,” Alam said.
Such events can also help support local Muslim businesses. Alam shared that there are several economic benefits of Suhoor Fest too such as start-ups gaining visibility. New small businesses can test the market with their upcoming menus. Wazne echoed her sentiment, stating that their participation aimed to increase awareness rather than drive immediate sales. While Wazne and his partners had prior experience as owners of Paradise Biryani Pointe in Dearborn, the concept of fusion Indian food on a food truck emerged during Suhoor Fest. Their experience as food vendors was very positive and rewarding, providing the motivation needed to take a significant leap forward. Consequently, Wazne and his team recently launched Paradise Street Eats – Food Truck in Detroit. All thanks to the warm reception they received at Suhoor Fest.
Self Accountability
Despite the immense popularity of Suhoor Fest, some said they struggled with embracing this trend. It was particularly due to concerns about it detracting from their worship during the sacred nights of Ramadan. Masood raised an essential point about self-accountability, stating that being mindful about managing time effectively is key. She emphasized that with wise time management, individuals can reap the benefits of Suhoor Fest without allowing it to have a negative impact on their spirituality.
Everything in Islam is based on our intention. People can attend such community events with the intention of making Ramadan even more memorable for the whole family. Halal fun is fine until there is any kind of wastage – whether it be of time, food, or money. Timebox yourself so you do not regret being too tired for extra prayers in the nights of Ramadan. Make sure neighbors who might be asleep at that time are not disturbed, and never litter or trash food. It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing scenario. Like so many things in Islam, everyone can enjoy such events in moderation.
Areena Ali Memon is a single mother in Illinois. She juggles various roles including homeschooling, blogging, YouTubing, freelance writing, photography, and managing an Islamic bookstore while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education from the Islamic Online University.
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