As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, communities across the United States are coming together to celebrate the spirit of the season through various events and initiatives. In Edmonds, Washington, about 80 people gathered at the Edmonds Waterfront Center on March 25, 2025, to celebrate both Ramadan and Nowruz, the Persian New Year. This event was organized by the House of Wisdom, a nonprofit organization based in Lynnwood that provides free tutoring to disadvantaged students. Ahmad Hilal Abid, the founder and president of the House of Wisdom, emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and community engagement during the event, stating that the goal was to bring people together to celebrate diverse traditions.
“We learn about new traditions, we taste new food, we make new memories,” said Teresa Wippel, founder and CEO of the My Neighborhood News Network, reflecting on the bonding that occurs at such gatherings. The House of Wisdom, which started in Abid's parents’ garage during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, has grown significantly since its inception, now offering tutoring services to students in need from grades K through 12. Many of these students are first-generation refugees or immigrants.
Ramadan, one of the three pillars of Islam, is a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. It is a time for Muslims to engage in self-discipline and gratitude, breaking their fast with festive meals called iftars at sunset. Meanwhile, Nowruz, a celebration that marks the arrival of spring, is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and symbolizes renewal and hope.
In North Texas, the month of Ramadan is also being observed with educational initiatives aimed at fostering understanding of the holiday. The Smith Public Library in Wylie has set up a display to educate the community about Ramadan, featuring decorations like crescent moons and miniature mosques. Nadaa Hassan, a children’s book author, highlighted the significance of sharing stories and traditions related to Ramadan, stating, "It's a way to introduce our community to what Ramadan means to Muslims all over the world." The library's Ramadan display has encouraged children to engage with their cultural heritage and feel represented in their community.
As Ramadan comes to an end, many families and school districts in Connecticut are reflecting on how to better support students observing the holiday. At Greenwich High School, a new policy allows students to opt out of physical education classes during Ramadan, a move that has been welcomed by parents like Aneela K. Ahmad, who advocated for this accommodation. Ahmad noted that this policy promotes a safe and respectful learning environment for Muslim students.
In Manchester, the school district's Department of Race and Equity has distributed a Ramadan Resource Guide for the past three years, helping staff understand and accommodate the needs of students observing the holiday. Nurun Nahar, a race and equity facilitator, explained that various schools have created designated prayer spaces and have included lessons about Ramadan in their curriculum. Manchester Public Schools is also one of the first districts in Connecticut to officially observe Eid al-Fitr, closing schools on March 31, 2025, to celebrate the holiday.
West Haven Public Schools have also implemented measures to support fasting students, allowing them to choose between spending lunchtime in their classrooms or at designated tables in the cafeteria. Raffaela Fronc, the district's coordinator for bilingual education, emphasized the importance of educating younger students about Eid and Ramadan, fostering excitement and understanding among peers.
In a personal reflection, Baruch College student Eliana Cukoviq shared her experiences of observing Ramadan as an Albanian Muslim. She described the daily routine of waking up before dawn for suhoor, the pre-fast meal, and the communal iftar that breaks the fast at sunset. Cukoviq highlighted the spiritual significance of fasting, stating, "Abstaining from food, water, and sin allows us to reflect on life and shows us how grateful we should be for what we have." She also noted the importance of charity during this time, as Muslims are encouraged to give gifts to those in need before the end of Ramadan.
As communities across the nation come together to celebrate Ramadan, the emphasis on cultural understanding and inclusivity remains paramount. Events like the one at the Edmonds Waterfront Center and educational initiatives in libraries and schools are vital in promoting dialogue and fostering connections among diverse groups. As Ramadan concludes, the spirit of compassion and community continues to thrive, paving the way for a deeper appreciation of cultural traditions and shared values.
In conclusion, Ramadan serves not only as a time of spiritual reflection for Muslims but also as an opportunity for communities to engage with one another, celebrating diversity and fostering understanding. The various events and initiatives across the country highlight the importance of inclusivity and respect for all traditions, reinforcing the idea that we are all part of a larger community.
