Long Island Muslims decorate their homes as they observe Ramadan

On Long Island, many Muslims are observing Ramadan, which begins at sunset Sunday, with lights and colorful decorations inside and outside their homes, hoping to spread Islam's message of peace even as the war in Gaza rages on.

Hanging bright lights, lanterns and other ornaments is increasingly linked to the holy month, as is the fasting, praying and acts of charity.

“Many Muslim influencers have started to decorate their home and it’s catching on. It teaches everyone that it is a good time of year. It brings joy,” said Hadiqa Sandhu, of Franklin Square. She was one of 50 Muslims preparing for Ramadan on Friday night at The Islamic Circle of North America Nassau Community Center in New Hyde Park, where Sandhu is co-leader of the Sisters Department.

"We hope to erase Islamophobia and show the true meaning of Islam, which is peace," Sandhu said, adding that younger generations won't tolerate backlash the way their older counterparts may have. 

It is a welcome change from the post 9/11 world, they say, when many Muslims were afraid to disclose their religion. Colorful decorations now serve as a sign of their faith, with big retailers selling inflatable lawn displays, such as crescent moons and mosques.

The public show of Ramadan is also inspirational. Sandhu said it introduces the holy month to her non-Muslim friends and it also motivates her 11-year-old brother, who is too young to fast but has already started asking, to follow in her family's footsteps. 

Maha Akhtar, 34, of New Hyde Park, embraced the marketing while building up her own collection.

“We’re trying to announce it and be proud. Not just like keeping your faith to yourself. It used to be harder but now it’s becoming very big,” Akhtar said. 

She has started to prepare her 2-year-old son for Ramadan with lantern activities, themed cupcakes and books.

Ramadan is marked by deep reflection, praying and attending daily services at mosques where the Quran, the holiest book of Islam, is recited during evening prayers. During the holy month, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. Before the fast begins each day, friends and family eat a meal before sunrise during "suhoor." The fast is later broken in the evening after sunset at "iftar," where it is also celebrated with friends and family. Ramadan is followed by Eid al-Fitr, a holiday that marks the end of the month of fasting. 

“This is overhauling our mind, body and soul,” said Shahid Farooqi, who organized Friday’s event at the center. “Even though we go to work, school, college and perform our duties, we are fasting and keeping ourselves composed and controlled," while building a deeper connection to God, he said. 

At least 100,000 Muslims live on Long Island, but Sandhu, a student at LIU Post, said it will be challenging to find a place to pray in public places. She has decided to focus on the positives, such as connecting to her family, friends and the community.

“We have to treat ourselves and also find time to make ourselves happy,” she said.

Ramadan commemorates when Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad received the Quran from the angel Gabriel in the early 7th century.

With a cease-fire appearing unlikely in Gaza, the Palestinians' plight is adding a deeply somber tone this year. Many Muslims said they will continue to pray and do good deeds. One of the pillars of Islam requires Muslims to donate 2.5% of their wealth, donations known as Zakat, that some hope to make during the holy month. 

“We keep hearing that our Muslim Palestinian brothers and sisters, women, and children are dying. Their houses destroyed, they’re losing their businesses," Farooqi said. 

"It is painful on one side but as Muslims here we are utilizing opportunities," said Farooqi, who is also the New York regional manager of Helping Hand for Relief and Development, a global humanitarian organization that provides aid to people in need.