As the sun sets, the scent of dates and warm soup fills Muslim homes across the south suburbs. Families gather around the table, and mosques begin to fill with worshippers ready for a night of prayer. Ramadan has arrived—a time of fasting, faith, and reflection.
This year, the holy month begins at sunset on Saturday, March 1, based on the lunar calculations used by the Fiqh Council of North America. For Muslims, it’s more than just a change in routine—it’s a chance to reset spiritually, strengthen self-discipline, and embrace community.
At its core, Ramadan is known for fasting from sunrise to sunset, but Imam Sheikh Kifah Mustapha of the Orland Park Prayer Center says it’s about much more than avoiding food and drink.
“If you are able to abstain from such major necessities of life, then your limbs should also hop on it,” Mustapha said. “Your tongue should fast from anything harmful—if you’re used to swearing or using bad words, this is the time to quit. If you’re used to looking at improper images, this is the time to quit.”
Fasting isn’t just about self-control; it’s a way to shift focus toward faith. Many spend the month reading the Quran, engaging in extra prayers, and increasing acts of kindness. It’s also a time to reflect on gratitude—on what it means to go without and to remember those who don’t have a choice.
As the days of fasting stretch on, the nights come alive with Taraweeh prayers—extra nightly prayers performed only during Ramadan.
“Taraweeh prayers happen once a year during Ramadan,” Mustapha said. “It consists of Muslims gathering in mosques for an extra, extended prayer beyond the five obligated ones.”
Local mosques, including the Orland Park Prayer Center, the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview, and the Palos Islamic Center, are preparing for a packed month, with worshippers attending late into the night.
Traffic around mosques will be heavier, especially at sunset and after Taraweeh prayers. If you’ve driven through Bridgeview on a Friday, you know the drill—bumper-to-bumper is part of the experience. Patience is key, and Ramadan is all about that.
Acts of charity are central to Ramadan, with Zakat (obligatory giving) ensuring those in need aren’t left out of the month’s blessings. Muslims who qualify donate 2.5% of their savings to those in need, and another form of giving, Zakat al-Fitr, ensures struggling families can celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
The Orland Park Prayer Center organizes food drives and distributes grocery vouchers to help local families. “We have food vouchers from markets, and families come to collect them so they can purchase groceries,” Mustapha said.
For many, giving during Ramadan isn’t just about fulfilling a religious duty—it’s about making sure no one is left out.
For Mustapha, Ramadan is a time to slow down and reconnect—not just with faith, but with family.
“We are living in very fast times where every family member is busy,” he said. “Just the fact that we all break our fast together brings families closer.”
The month is filled with moments that feel sacred—whether it’s the quiet strength of fasting, the warmth of a shared meal, or the stillness of the early morning hours spent in prayer.
Even for those who don’t observe Ramadan, Mustapha believes there’s something in it for everyone.
“Anyone who is a believer—whether they practice all aspects of faith or not—can appreciate fasting as an act of devotion to God,” he said.
As the month begins, communities will see an increase in mosque activity and evening gatherings. But beyond the logistics, Ramadan is about discipline, generosity, and faith—values anyone can appreciate.
The post Ramadan in Orland, Palos, and Bridgeview: More Than Just Fasting appeared first on Southwest Regional Publishing.