DEARBORN, Mich. – Let me start by saying, Ramadan Mubarak to everyone celebrating!
Metro Detroit has one of the largest and most diverse Arab populations outside the Middle East. The Ramadan Suhoor Festival in Dearborn is the largest Ramadan festival in North America!
The festival runs overnight when many of us are asleep.
I figured, why not capture the sights and sounds of a festival many Metro Detroiters haven’t experienced before?
During the Holy Month, Muslims fast during the day - and before you ask, no, observing Muslims don’t even drink water.
I learned that Iftar is when families break fast at sundown. Suhoor is the overnight meal before fasting begins at sunrise.
The Ramadan Suhoor Festival brings tens of thousands out to celebrate together.
I got the idea to cover the story when I spoke with organizers back in January. They had considered canceling the festival because of the rising costs of inflation, but the community wasn’t having it. So the festival was back on.
It started in 2018 and takes place in a large tent at Fairlane Mall.
First off - the size of the crowd is stunning. Just finding parking is an adventure. And once you’re inside, there’s so much competing for your attention. Food trucks from every corner of the globe, beautiful hijabs, colorful Islamic artwork and a joyous spirit. In the true spirit of Ramadan, the festival also raises hundreds of thousands for local charities.
It’s an immersive experience that’s open to people of all faiths - in fact, it’s encouraged and you’re welcome to attend. (I recommend coming hungry - every type of food is available, from tacos, to shawarmas, to sushi).
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a monthlong fast practiced by people of the Islamic faith. Typically, when someone is observing the holy month, they participate in fasting from sunrise to sundown. With this style of fasting, Muslims don’t eat or drink anything during the day, including water.
There are some exceptions to the rules. For instance, if a person gets sick during Ramadan, they are not expected to fast. However, on the days that they miss fasting, they are expected to make up those days when they are able. This rule applies to all who miss a day or more of their fasting.
Typically, any Muslim who has reached puberty and is physically capable is required to fast.
According to a 2017 study by the Pew Research Center, eight out of 10 Muslims in the United States say that they fast during Ramadan.
Click here to learn more about the holy month of Ramadan.
Why do Muslims fast?
The holy month of Ramadan is meant to commemorate the time when the prophet Muhammed received the first revelations of what would become the Quran, Islam’s holy book. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to reflect, pray and practice self-restraint.
According to Muslim Aid, there are five core principles, or pillars, in the Islamic faith: Shahadah (ٱلشَّهَادَةُ), Allah (الله), Salat (صَلاة), Sawm (صوم) and Hajj (الحج). Sawm means “to refrain,” and is one of the five pillars that the religion’s god, Allah, requires of Muslims. It is most commonly understood as the obligation to fast during Ramadan.
The practice of fasting is to give Muslims who are rich or poor an equal opportunity to ask for forgiveness for past sins. During the holy month, many believe their prayers are listened to and answered.
The Muslim Aid also states that the idea of fasting teaches people to be pious and restrain from worldly pleasures. Fasting is believed to instill discipline and urge those participating not to be led astray by materialistic desires.
Posted by Ramadan Suhoor Festival on Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Breaking fast
When it comes to breaking the fast at the end of the day, the process can look different for everyone, depending on their culture. Even within the same country -- whether it be Lebanon, Palestine, Somalia, etc. -- practices can differ across regions and villages.
Some Muslims break their fast at dusk, while others wait until daylight is completely gone before doing so. Muslims break their fast with a meal called “iftar,” often featuring culture-specific dishes.
Another significant part of the holy month is the gathering of loved ones when it’s time to break fast. Many come together for iftar with friends and extended family, and pray together during the evening hours, often at local mosques, in a practice known as “tarawih” (تراويح).
This year is a special year for Muslims: The over 2 billion Muslims across the globe can once again celebrate and gather in person together during Ramadan since COVID-19 spread has slowed compared to previous years.
The Ramadan Suhoor Festival gives you a true sense of what our Muslim friends and neighbors experience throughout the Holy Month.
The Ramadan Suhoor Festival runs every Friday and Saturday night from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. through April 15. Admission to the festival is $5. Click here to purchase a ticket.
And once again, Ramadan Mubarak to everyone celebrating!