Members of the local Muslim community gathered on March 8 at the Islamic Center of Old Bridge in Middlesex County to share an Iftar meal during the holy month of Ramadan. Everyday this month, the mosque has gathered an event to bring together families, friends and neighbors to break their daily fast after sunset. The mosque is located at 205 NJ-35.
Iftar is the meal Muslims eat at sunset during Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar. Throughout the month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset as a time to reflect on themselves, self-discipline, and prayer. For many people in the community, Iftar is an opportunity to gather with others, share food, conversation, and strengthen relationships with loved ones.
As sunset began to approach, guests arrived with trays of food, dessert, and drinks to share with everyone attending. Volunteers helped organize seating and prepare food while families prayed and waited until it was time to break their fasts. The room slowly filled with conversation as people greeted one another and children ran through tables and laughed.
Organizers had said that the event was planned to bring the community together and share the Ramadan experience as one.
“We like to bring the community together during Ramadan,” said Imam Ali (person who leads prayer in a Mosque). “Iftar is not just about satisfying ourselves after sunset. It is about purifying the heart, practicing charity, and renewing faith.”
Now that sunset was near, individuals waited quietly to break their fasts with dates and water, a tradition way Muslims break their fast before the evening prayer.
After fast was broken and prayer was finished, it was now time to eat a delightful dinner while families continued to chat it up with one another. The atmosphere remained energetic as people refueled their bodies, moved between tables and greeted people they had not seen in ages.
Several attendees said they attended Iftar to spend time with the community and break their fasts alongside friends and family during the holy month.
“It felt rewarding to come here and break my fast with everyone,” said one attendee. “Ramadan is all about bringing family and friends together while actively supporting each other throughout the month of fasting because it is certainly not easy.”
As the night came to an end, guests continued to laugh and socialize while also helping organizers clean and organize the Mosque. Organizers said they were pleased with the turnout and hope every Iftar is packed with love.
“The opportunity to bring together members of the community during the holy month of Ramadan is very meaningful for our Mosque,” said Imam Ali. “It allows people to strengthen their faith in Allah (SWT) while building pure connections with one another.”
