Muslims around the world are mentally preparing to observe Ramadan in their homes this year, as stay-at-home orders and mosque closures have created a new normal for our global community.
American Muslims are a unique community by their ability to create micro-communities within the paradigm structure of the United States of America.
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This cultural phenomenon creates an obvious need for community and religious socialization during the month of Ramadan.
Although American Muslims recognize this need, they are forging forward with plans to maintain and develop digital communities during this sacred month.
Masjids across the country are rapidly preparing programs, communal prayer services, and activities virtually for the benefit of the community.
One of the positive aspects of creating a digital community is the ability to improve access to programs, scholars, and communities that may have otherwise been geographically inaccessible by individuals.
During the month of Ramadan, scholars are typically dedicated to their home Masjid and community members would have to physically be able to attend their locations in order to benefit from their services.
Technology has opened up a window for Muslims all around the world to access American scholars and participate in exclusive community programs.
“I have a full schedule of classes, FaceTime iftar chats with friends, and podcasts to keep me engaged during the month of Ramadan. I feel excited to connect to my virtual community,” Talib Ali told AboutIslam.net.
In anticipation of this momentous Ramadan, we have prepared a list of programs to share with the community.
Believers Bail Out
Believers Bail Out is a community-led effort to bail out Muslims in pretrial incarceration and ICE custody. Alongside providing bail and support for individuals released on bond starting in Chicago, home to the largest single-site jail in the United States, Believers Bail Out hosts fundraising iftars and teach-ins across the country to support efforts to abolish money bail and to raise awareness within Muslim communities on the injustices of the bail bond system, immigration bonds, and the broader prison-industrial complex of which they form part.
Yaqeen Institute
This year, Yaqeen Institute is bringing the community inspiring, educational, and faith-building content to fill your days and help make this a Ramadan to remember. Participants can sign up to have a daily lineup of all content delivered straight to your inbox.
Visionaire Ramadan
Visionaire Ramadan is a program crafted by Muhammad Alshareef and includes online retreat sessions, connection to a global family to improve participants’ community life, and a complete visionaire formula on how to get inspired and craft duaas.
Fayda Books
Fayda Books is happy to bring to the English speaking world, an in-depth look at the Qur’an through the Tafsir of one of Islam’s greatest scholars. Three young scholars will be hosting the daily lectures, Imam Fakhruddin Owaisi al-Madani, Imam Talut Dawood & Ustadh Zakariya Wright are scholars with amazing insight into the Tafsir of the noble Shaykh. They have edited and contributed to translated volumes of the Tafsir. Viewers will have an opportunity to follow the live videos and podcasts everyday during the month of Ramadan 2020 at 6 PM EST.
In anticipation of this upcoming Ramadan, American Muslims are committed to holding space for one another and staying unified during this time. Although, the challenge of mosque closures are felt around the world, the opportunity for access and connection to our global Muslim community is incredibly special. We must take this time to appreciate the blessing of a renewed Ramadan filled with spiritual advancement, digital communities, and global access to sacred knowledge.