PALMYRA - More than 100 worshippers gathered at the Islamic Center of South Jersey on Saturday evening to take part in the holy month of Ramadan.
"This is the holiest month of the year," said Zafar Ajmal, a Moorestown resident who took part in the celebration. "This is a very busy night. A lot of people came out to celebrate with a big feast."
Ramadan is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and runs the entire month.
It is a time for fasting in which participating Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn until sunset. Iftar is the daily meal that breaks the fast. The month is sacred because the Islamic scripture Qur'an was first revealed during the ninth month.
Participants took part in a large dinner that followed a wide variety of refreshments for worshippers.
Fruits and vegetables were served with drinks at sunset and the main dinner followed the adhan, which is a call to prayer.
worshippers from all over Burlington County made their way to the Islamic Center of South Jersey on Garfield Avenue in Palmyra to take part in the celebration.
"I took the River Line all the way down here," said Asghar Chaudhry, a Bordentown Township resident. "It was really convenient. There really isn't a place of worship near where I live. Usually I come either here or go to New Brunswick. This was great so I didn't have to drive."
Islamic Center member Naseem Badat was surprised to see a large number of new faces on Saturday.
"Every time, I see all new faces," Badat said. "I've been here since the inception (in 1993) and I've never seen this type of turnout. I guess it's because more and more Muslim people are moving to the area. It's easy to find and people like to come here."
Ajmal said the Muslim community is very active in the area.
"There are several youth groups and associations that teach young people all about Islam," he said. This is a great place for the young community."
Contact: mzimmaro@phillyBurbs.com 609-871-8059
