With Ramadan less than two weeks away, volunteers gathered Saturday at the Islamic Center of Detroit to pack more than 1,600 food boxes for families in need across three states.

Imad Hamad is a longtime member of the Islamic Center of Detroit and a leader in Metro Detroit’s Muslim community. Hamad is trying to spread the message that during Ramadan the COVID-19 vaccine is OK to take. During Ramadan, Muslims have to fast all day and can only eat at sundown. But Muslim community leaders, like Imam’s and scholars, are saying the vaccine has no nutritional value. He’ll get his second dose during Ramadan and said that Muslims getting the shot during Ramadan won’t have to make up days.