Hundreds of Muslims Take Part in Fast-Breaking Event in NY’s Times Square
Hundreds of Muslims living in New York City broke their fast and performed Taraweeh prayers at the event.
It was organized for the 5th time this year by a social media account called “Wayoflifesq”, bringing together hundreds of men and women.
Gathering at the corner of Broadway and 7th Street, the busiest area of Times Square, the Muslims broke their fast with prayers as the time for iftar arrived.
Free food packages were distributed to approximately 1500 people for the iftar.
Also 1,200 copies of the Quran were distributed at the iftar program.
The owner of the "Wayoflifesq" account, known as “SQ”, told an Anadou Agency correspondent that Islam is portrayed negatively by Western media, adding, “Our purpose here is to explain the Quran to people, educate them, and inform the world about Islam.”
SQ added, “We want you to connect with us and understand that our culture is your culture. Come, sit with us. Come, eat with us. Come, break your fast with us and enjoy this beautiful month of Ramadan with us.”
Harman, a member of the organizing team, said, “This is New York, there’s always something going on here. People are always surprised by what’s happening as they pass by. Today we distributed 1,200 copies of the Quran. People are taking them in English, Spanish, German, whatever language it is.”
After breaking their fast, the group performed the evening and Taraweeh prayers on prayer mats they had brought with them, under the lights of Times Square, despite the rainy and cold weather.
The Iftar and Taraweeh prayers of Muslims in Times Square, one of the busiest places in New York City, attracted great interest from New Yorkers and tourists in the vicinity.
Many people were seen recording the moment with their cell phones during the prayer.
Two people converted to Islam by reciting the Shahada (declaration of faith) at the program.
New York police took extensive security measures in the area.
The first Iftar program in Times Square was held in 2022.
4336147
