To Be Poor and Ignored During Ramadan

June 13, 2018 3:13 PM

Dearborn, Mich., is the capital of Muslim America, and it is never more vibrant than during the holy month of Ramadan, which comes to an end this week. Authentic Yemeni cafes are packed with customers into the early-morning hours, colorful rows of desserts are displayed in Lebanese and Palestinian sweet shops, and the tables at private iftars — the traditional dinners where Muslims end their daily fast — overflow each evening with an abundance of food.

But not all Muslims can enjoy this kind of bounty during the holy month.

posted by standardasparagus (3 comments total)

Muslim charity going abroad as opposed to helping the local community is a real issue, but tying it to Ramadan seems off to me because during Ramadan every mosque will provide iftar. It may not be fancy but you are pretty much guaranteed to get a hot meal every night during Ramadan if you go to the mosque to break your fast.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 4:57 PM on June 13, 2018 [1 favorite]

"The month of Ramadan sees a significant increase in outreach at the Muslim family services centre, a not-for-profit organization helping Hamtramck’s poorest Muslim families – many of whom are refugees – by distributing food donations and care packages."
posted by palindromic at 7:36 AM on June 14, 2018

Hamtramck may not be the capital of Muslim America, but it is a Muslim-majority city and the first city in America with a Muslim-majority city council!
posted by palindromic at 7:37 AM on June 14, 2018 [3 favorites]