How To Celebrate Ramadan In Bergen

All are invited to say “Ramadan Mubarak” and to support the community during the spiritual observance.

This week marks the beginning of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a month-long religious observance for the Muslim community worldwide. It is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community, and its annual observance is one of the five pillars of Islam. It ends on April 9, and the next day celebrates Eid Al-Fitr.

During Ramadan, adults participate in a dawn-to-dusk fast, and breaking this fast nightly is called Iftar. “Fasting is a means of spiritual self-control over worldly desires,” says Khaja Khateeb, founder and chief coordinator of the Paramus-based Eid Committee of New Jersey.

He also explains the community importance of that observance. “Ramadan fosters a sense of belonging and cohesion among the Muslim community, as congregational praying and breaking our fasts together are also important aspects of this month, especially in Bergen County,” Khateeb says. “In an era of digital socialization and distant relationships, Ramadan fosters deep personal bonding with our community. Muslims in Bergen also often volunteer their time at local soup kitchens, or donate to Bergen County food pantries, during Ramadan.”

If you are not celebrating Ramadan, you can support your Muslim friends and neighbors during this time. Though offering cookies or cake for fast breaking is always appreciated, Khateeb says, “The best thing one can gift is conversation. It is always heartwarming to see non-Muslims attending local events and partaking in the interfaith communication and unity we strive to achieve in Bergen County.”

If you are looking for a place to celebrate, to enjoy community spirit or to learn something new, here are some Welcome Ramadan crescent lighting events you can visit around Bergen this month:

March 15: Crescent Lighting, Mahwah Town Hall, 6 p.m.
*475 Corporate Rd., Mahwah

March 15: Crescent Lighting, Village of Ridgefield Park, 6 p.m.
*234 Main St., Ridgefield Park

March 19: Iftar meal, Government Offices of Bergen County, 7:10 p.m.
*2 Bergen Plaza, Hackensack

March 30: Crescent Lighting, Borough of Paramus, 5:30 p.m.
*1 Jockish Sq., Paramus

*For a more in-depth celebration, the Eid Committee will also be hosting a Grand Ifar Dinner to celebrate the end of Ramadan on March 24 at 5 p.m. at the Teaneck Marriott. See their website for more details.

Are you observing Ramadan in Bergen County? Tell us about it on Instagram @bergenmagnj!