Cities often communicate through their towering skyscrapers, their concrete structures, and the glaring lights that define their skyline. But at times, cities also speak through their community centers, celebrations, and the warmth of shared traditions. In this instance, although a city like New York might appear to communicate solely through its towering skyscrapers, Ramadan unveils an entirely distinct facet of the city. It reveals the small, often overlooked corners where vibrant communities thrive—places where people come together to break their fast, connect, and celebrate a sense of belonging.
Currently, as of 2025, with over 700,000 Muslims, New York is home to the largest Muslim population of any state in the U.S. Each year, Muslims in New York fill the city with their prayers and celebrations, demonstrating the unifying power of Islam through a single act: prayer. This year, thousands of Muslims gathered at Times Square for Taraweeh—a special prayer performed only during Ramadan—creating a moment that went viral on social media, showcasing the strength of community and faith.
Egyptian illustrator Noran Morsi brings this other side of New York to life with “Ramadan in New York City“, a daily art series featured on Instagram throughout the holy month. Through striking illustrations, it provides an intimate look into the life of a 20-something Muslim as they fast, work, and navigate the life and rhythm of New York.
“This series is about capturing what it really feels like to experience Ramadan in New York—breaking fast in a subway station, finding moments of stillness in a city that never slows down, and balancing faith with daily life,” says Morsi. “It’s a deeply personal project, but also something I hope resonates with anyone observing Ramadan in a place that doesn’t pause for it.”
Growing up in Egypt, Morsi often heard that celebrating holidays in a foreign country could feel cold and isolating. But her experience has been quite the opposite. “The Muslim community in New York is warm, diverse, and incredibly welcoming. This is my fourth Ramadan here, and while I deeply miss family, friends, and the festive atmosphere in Cairo, I can’t say that Ramadan in NYC has been disappointing,” she reflects. “Over the past four years, I’ve made countless friends and shared meals with people from all around the world.”
From grabbing Suhoor at a 24-hour bodega to the communal warmth of Taraweeh prayers spilling out onto the city streets, Morsi’s series reminds us that cities communicate in countless ways—if we take the time to listen and connect.
As part of its advocacy efforts to promote Ramadan values and instill Islamic morals, the Abdullah bin Zaid AlMahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, organized an educational lecture in English entitled “Why Ramadan?” The lecture was delivered by preacher Mufti Ismail Menk, and was attended by a large number of Msheireb visitors, approximately 2,700 people, at the Eid prayer area in Msheireb Downtown Doha. The aim was to understand the wisdom behind imposing Ramadan fasting on Muslims every year.
The preacher, Mufti Menk, explained that Ramadan comes every year in a Muslim’s life to renew his pledge to various Islamic worship and rituals, including fasting, standing in prayer, and connecting with the Quran. Ramadan teaches us patience and trains us on it, through our abstaining from the permissible things we are familiar with, such as food, drink, and other things that are permissible for us outside of Ramadan, from sunrise to sunset. He pointed out that the month of Ramadan is thus an intensive course in various acts of worship, coming every year in a Muslim’s life to renew his pledge to the various Islamic values and renew his connection with his Lord and Creator through the spiritual atmosphere that is not available outside of Ramadan.
Ramadan teaches awareness of time and the value of life through intensive training in worship, helping individuals elevate their desires so that they can reach the level of spirituality desired by fasting. One of the key messages of the lecture emphasized was that fasting is for personal growth and social awareness. “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting; it is for Me, and I will reward it. Fasting is a shield. When it is a day of fasting for any one of you, let him neither utter obscene words nor raise his voice. If anyone insults him or fights him, let him say: I am a fasting person,” stated Mufti Menk.
During the lecture, Dr. Saleh bin Ali Al-Marri, Director of the Sheikh Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, underscored the appeal and influence preacher Mufti Ismail Menk holds in communities. He noted, “His preaching style combines scientific foundations and the ability to deliver information to all segments of society, emphasizing the center’s continued commitment to fulfilling its religious guidance mission through the various activities it sponsors and organizes.”
Meanwhile, during the holy month of Ramadan, healthcare professionals in the UAE face the unique challenge of balancing their religious observance with the demands of their demanding jobs. For first responders like Dr. Karishma Wahab, the month often means breaking their fast on the go, all while handling life-or-death situations. One of Dr. Karishma's most unforgettable iftars occurred when, as a general practitioner working in the emergency department at Aster Hospital Sharjah, she broke her fast at 11pm. Just before iftar, a mother of two arrived with a life-threatening emergency. “The patient arrived just before iftar with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy,” she recalled. “We immediately took her to the operating theatre to complete the surgery, and we were able to save her life. I remember breaking my fast at 11pm that day, but the joy of saving a mother’s life, saving a family, was worth it.”
For many healthcare workers, Ramadan means breaking their fast while dealing with emergencies. While some may have a moment to sip water or eat dates, for others, there’s no opportunity to pause as they race against time to save lives.
And as Ramadan progresses, temporary prayer spaces continue to provide Gazans the opportunity to worship together. Despite the destruction of many mosques in Gaza, including the Great Omari Mosque, which had been completely destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in December 2023, people have come together in various makeshift prayer halls. The damage to Gaza's religious infrastructure has been estimated at over $500 million, according to the Gaza Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, reflecting the resilience and commitment of the community to engage in prayer despite the devastation.
Adib Abdul Halim, a young Gazan attending the communal prayers at a makeshift space, said, “Praying in the Great Omari Mosque was like praying in the Al-Aqsa Mosque for the people of Gaza. We are praying in the outer courtyard, though our hearts are in mourning.” These moments of worship reflect the enduring will of Gazans to maintain their spiritual traditions, even in the face of destruction.
This holy month, marked by fasting, reflection, and community, illustrates the enduring spirit of Muslim communities around the globe, whether through the vibrant streets of New York, or the makeshift prayer spaces in Gaza, as individuals and families gather in faith, resilience, and hope.
