By Rebecca Henely
City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst) and representatives from the Council of American-Islamic Relations broke the Ramadan fast with Sri Lankan Muslims Monday evening at a Jackson Heights mosque.
“It’s a very special moment to be invited by the Muslim community,” Ferreras said.
Sitting cross-legged on carpets covered with plastic, women on the top floor, men on the bottom floor and others outside the mosque prayed and ate as the sun set.
During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, during which the Prophet Muhammad is said to have revealed the Quran, Muslims fast during the day and eat at night. The fast-breaking meal, in this case a plethora of spicy foods preferred by the Sri Lankan palette, is known as iftar.
“We all sit and break together as a family,” said Zahra Raufa, a Sri Lankan Muslim.
Imam Mohd Qayyoom, who runs the Muhammadi Community Center of Jackson Heights at 37-46 72nd St., said the first 10 days of Ramadan are about mercy, the second 10 days are about forgiveness and the third 10 days are about emancipation from hell fire. Qayyoom said the importance of the last 10 days requires Muslims to be more gracious, so the mosque was opened to guests. The mosque is also holding a food drive with civic group South Asian Youth Action.
“We wish the best for all community and all faiths,” Qayyoom said.
Sifqniya Wahid, a volunteer with the Tasmina, the Association of Sri Lanka Muslims, said the Queens members of the group visit mosques across the tri-state area during Ramadan.
Raufa, another volunteer, said that while Qayyoom is from Bangladesh, he offers up the mosque, children’s program and Friday prayers to Sri Lankans.
“He’s very helpful for the community,” Raufa said.
Iftar prayers were spoken by a visiting Sri Lankan imam sitting in the men’s section, which was broadcast to the women’s room via a television and speakers. Many children participated in the meal, which Raufa said was important so Muslim children in America can connect with their culture.
Cyrus McGoldrick of CAIR also gave a speech from the men’s section in which he spoke about how American Muslims are often the target of prejudice. But he said Muslims who regularly attend mosques are more civically engaged and tend to be happier.
“There are opportunities to turn that into good,” McGoldrick said.
After the meal, Ferreras, who broadcast her speech downstairs to the men’s section, was given a copy of the Quran in Spanish and a women’s head covering.
“This is a mosque about understanding and unity,” Ferreras said.
Reach reporter Rebecca Henely by e-mail at rhenely@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4564.
