The month of Ramadan begins on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 17, in North America this year and runs through March 19 or 20.
Ramadan, which occurs on the ninth month of the Hijri, or Islamic, calendar, is when the Quran was revealed. For Muslims around the world, the month includes fasting from the break of dawn to sunset, re-reading the Quran and charitable acts, all of which lay the foundation for deep spiritual renewal.
This year, many Minnesota Muslims are preparing for Ramadan with concerns about community safety and economic challenges in mind. But in the midst of heavy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence under which Minnesotans have reported being harassed, attacked and racially profiled by ICE agents, mosques and Muslim groups are still holding public iftars to bring the community together.
Here is how you can celebrate Ramadan in community this year.
Ongoing events
Masjid An Nur
When: Iftar available Monday through Thursday at sunset starting on Feb. 23
Where: 1729 N. Lyndale Ave., Minneapolis
Cost: Free
More info: Call 612-521-1749
Eastern Twin Cities Islamic Center
When: Iftar available Saturday and Sunday at sunset
Where: 12585 Hudson Road S., Afton
Cost: Free
More info: Call 651-200-3956
Rabata Cultural Center Ladies Iftars
When: Every Thursday at sunset
Where: Rabata Cultural Center & Bookshop, 3533 Lexington Ave. N, Arden Hills
Cost: Free, register here
More info: Call 612-584-3359
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One-time events
Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS) Ramadan Fundraiser
When: Friday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Blaine Masjid 12175 Aberdeen St. N.E., Blaine
Cost: Free
More info: Email communications@masmn.org
Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS) Ramadan Fundraiser
When: Friday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Masjid Ar-Rahman, 8910 Old Cedar Ave. S., Bloomington
Cost: Free
More info: Email communications@masmn.org
Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS) Ramadan Fundraiser
When: Friday, Feb. 20, 5:45 p.m.
Where: Coon Rapids Masjid, 1313 Coon Rapids Blvd. N.W., Coon Rapids
Cost: Free
More info: Email communications@masmn.org
Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS) Ramadan Fundraiser
When: Friday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Masjid At-Taqwa, 1608 Como Ave., St. Paul
Cost: Free
More info: Email communications@masmn.org
Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS) Ramadan Fundraiser
When: Friday, Feb. 20, 5:45 p.m.
Where: Maple Grove Masjid, 10186 Lancaster Lane N., Maple Grove
Cost: Free
More info: Email communications@masmn.org
Al Amal School Ramadan Fundraiser
When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 3:30 p.m. start time, iftar at 5:49 p.m.
Where: Mounds View Community Center, 5394 Edgewood Drive, Mounds View
Cost: $10, tickets here
More info: www.al-amal.org/ramadan
Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS) Ramadan Fundraiser
When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m.
Where: South Metro Islamic Center 15400 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount
Cost: Free
More info: Email communications@masmn.org
Islamic Relief USA Grand Iftar
When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 5 p.m.
Where: Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave. N., Plymouth
Cost: $30 in advance, tickets
More info: Call Muhammad Hafeez at 312-728-0114 or email mw@irusa.org
Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS) Ramadan Fundraiser
When: Sunday, Feb. 22, 5:45 p.m.
Where: MAS Lakeville Masjid, 8670 210th St. W., Lakeville
Cost: Free
More info: Email communications@masmn.org
Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar
Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Blaine Masjid
When: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 5 p.m.
Where: 12175 Aberdeen St. N.E., Blaine
Cost: Free, register here
More info: Email Chrissie Carver at Chrissie.Carver@mnchurches.org
Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar
Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with Masjid at-Taqwa
When: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 5:00 p.m.
Where: 1608 Como Ave., St. Paul
Cost: Free, register here
More info: Email Chrissie Carver at Chrissie.Carver@mnchurches.org
Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar
Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Rabata Cultural Center
When: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 5 p.m.
Where: 3533 Lexington Ave. N., Arden Hills
Cost: Free, register here More info: Email Chrissie Carver at Chrissie.Carver@mnchurches.org
Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar
Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with Masjid Ar-Rahman
When: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 5 p.m.
Where: 8910 Old Cedar Ave., Bloomington
Cost: Free, register here More info: Email Chrissie Carver at Chrissie.Carver@mnchurches.org
Baba’s x Mizna Lit Series + Iftar
When: Thursday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m.
Where: Baba’s Hummus House & Mana’eesh Bakery 2220 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis
Cost: Free
Contact: Email mizna@mizna.org
Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar
Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Northwest Islamic Community Center
When: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 5 p.m.
Where: 3300 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth
Cost: Free, register here More info: Email Chrissie Carver at Chrissie.Carver@mnchurches.org
Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar
Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Coon Rapids Mosque
When: Thursday, Feb. 26, 5 p.m.
Where: 1313 Coon Rapids Blvd. N.W., Coon Rapids
Cost: Free, register here
More info: Email Chrissie Carver at Chrissie.Carver@mnchurches.org
Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar
Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Islamic Center of Minnesota
When: Saturday, Feb. 28, 5 p.m.
Where: 1401 Gardena Avenue N.E., Fridley
Cost: Free, register here
More info: Email Chrissie Carver at Chrissie.Carver@mnchurches.org
Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar
Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with Abubakar As-Sadique
When: Saturday, Feb. 28, 5 p.m.
Where: 2824 13th Ave. S., Minneapolis
Cost: Free, register here
More info: Email Chrissie Carver at Chrissie.Carver@mnchurches.org
Eastern Twin Cities Islamic Center Fundraising Iftar
When: Saturday, Feb. 28, 5:58 p.m.
Where: 12585 Hudson Road S., Afton
Cost: Free
More info: Call 651-200-3956
American Relief Agency for the Horn of Africa (ARAHA) Annual Ramadan Iftar
When: Saturday, Feb. 28, 4 p.m.
Where: Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave. N., Plymouth
Cost: $30, tickets
More info: Email info@araha.org
Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS) Ramadan Fundraiser
When: Saturday, Feb. 28, 5:45 p.m.
Where: Quba Islamic Center of Chaska-Chaska Community Center, 1661 Park Ridge Drive, Chaska
Cost: Free
More info: Email communications@masmn.org
Building Blocks of Islam Iftar
When: Saturday, Feb. 28, 4 p.m.
Where: Mounds View Community Center, 5394 Edgewood Drive, Mounds View
Cost: Free, RSVP here
More info: Email info@thebuildingblocks.org
American Muslims for Palestine MN Ramadan Iftar and Fundraiser
When: Saturday, Feb. 28, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Bela Hall, 2201 37th Ave. N.E., Columbia Heights
Cost: $10, tickets here
More info: Email mn@ampalestine.org
Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) Justice and Iftar Dinner
When: Sunday, March 1, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis
Cost: Free, RSVP here
More info: Email info@mn.cair.com
Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar
Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Lakeville Masjid
When: Tuesday, March 3, 5:10 p.m.
Where: 8670 210th St. W., Lakeville
Cost: Free, register here
More info: Email Chrissie Carver at Chrissie.Carver@mnchurches.org
Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar
Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Maple Grove Masjid
When: Tuesday, March 3, 5:10 p.m.
Where: 10186 Lancaster Lane N., Maple Grove
Cost: Free, register here More info: Email Chrissie Carver at Chrissie.Carver@mnchurches.org
Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar
Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Quba Islamic Center
When: Wednesday, March 4, 5:10 p.m.
Where: 415 N. Chestnut St., Chaska
Cost: Free, register here
More info: Email Chrissie Carver at Chrissie.Carver@mnchurches.org
Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar
Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the South Metro Islamic Center
When: Thursday, March 5, 5:10 p.m.
Where: 15400 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount
Cost: Free, register here
More info: Email Chrissie Carver at Chrissie.Carver@mnchurches.org
Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar
Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Imam Hussain Islamic Center
When: Saturday, March 7, 5 p.m.
Where: 6120 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center
Cost: Free, register here More info: Email Chrissie Carver at Chrissie.Carver@mnchurches.org
Wisdom Ways Community Iftar
When: Saturday, March 7, 5:30 p.m.
Where: 2501 Stevens Ave., Minneapolis
Cost: Free for Muslims, $20-$35 for non-Muslims, RSVP and tickets here
More info: Email wisdomways@accolamn.org
