On Sunday, March 23, we gathered at our new community space, The Montclair HUB, for “Iftar & Bazaar”—an evening of connection, culture, and celebration. This event was an opportunity to embrace the unity that defines Ramadan, strengthen our ties with Muslim community members, and share in the spirit of the holy month. Since our first iftar (the evening meal eaten at sunset after a day of fasting) a few years ago, this gathering has grown alongside our expanding community, now welcoming over 120 attendees.
A lively bazaar featured local vendors, echoing the cherished Eid tradition of shopping for new clothes and gifts in preparation for the holiday. The space was filled with the excitement of browsing handmade goods, festive attire, and getting mehndi done by a henna artist—reminiscent of the bustling marketplaces seen across the world during Ramadan.
The evening began with welcoming remarks from Jafreen Uddin, co-chair of the event committee, who spoke about the significance of Ramadan and the importance of togetherness. Special guest New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin reflected on the strength of our state’s diverse communities: “It is events like this that show that even in this difficult time, we can come together, and we are one community, and when we stand together, we are strong.”
At sunset, guests broke their fast with dates and water as Executive Director of CAIR-NJ, Selaedin Maksut, honored us with the adhan (call to prayer), a powerful moment of reflection and spiritual connection.
The delicious Middle Eastern buffet was a highlight, but Ramadan is observed in many ways across different cultures. In South Asia, iftar might include pakoras, in Indonesia, kolak, and in Turkey, lentil soup and pide bread. Beyond food, traditions vary—some communities gather nightly for extended prayers, others emphasize charity, and in some places, drummers wake families before dawn for suhoor (the pre-dawn meal before fasting). Yet across all traditions, Ramadan is rooted in faith, family, and generosity.
Attendees described Ramadan as a time for gathering, reflection, and solitude—a month of fasting from dawn until sunset that encourages breaking daily habits, quieting the noise of everyday life, and focusing on gratitude, charity, and giving back.
A particularly meaningful aspect of the evening was the presence of non-Muslim community members who joined in support and appreciation. Event committee members Saiful Khan and Mehruba Anwar Parris reflected on this connection. “We want to expose ourselves to those who are interested in learning about us—about our culture, our traditions,” said Khan. “Having AAPI Montclair, now AAPI New Jersey, has made us feel included and made this an inclusive community for everyone, and that helps us feel like we belong. And that it is okay for us to share our culture and our values with the rest of the community. And that is a beautiful thing,” added Parris.
The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of community and how gatherings like this reinforce a sense of belonging. In a time of rising divisive rhetoric and anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant attacks, it is our responsibility to stand in solidarity and create safe spaces for cultural exchange. Many community members expressed how valuable it is to feel seen—that their children can grow up proud of their heritage, free to express and share their traditions with others.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this iftar possible—our dedicated volunteers, our sponsors and in-kind partners Chashni Chai and Qahwah House for their generosity and delicious treats, and, most importantly, every community member who joined us. Gatherings like these are essential to fostering understanding and building the kind of community we all want to live in—one where everyone feels seen, valued, and included.
