With the coronavirus pandemic and the Bay Area shelter-in-place order, this year is a unique Ramadan.
Last Ramadan, Oakland Voices asked four Oakland Muslims, What’s unique about Ramadan in Oakland? Here’s what they said:
“The Bay Area is rich soil in all ways. It’s like anything grows here. Ramadan gives the Muslim an opportunity to take full advantage of the social atmosphere and spiritual ethos of a city with a rich history.”
Imam Faheem Suaibe
“All year round you just see the same people in one masjid, but when Ramadan comes around, all the communities come together as one unit.”
Iesha Brewer
“It’s the coming together of the African American community, those that followed Elijah Muhammad. The fact that we’ve come this far and we’re observing Ramadan with the test of the world, to be doing what we’re doing here in Oakland is a blessing.”
Zarinah El-Amin Majied
“Every masjid got its flavor. Lighthouse. Waritheen. Particularly amongst the Black Muslims. You gone get that home cooked feel.”
Abdulhaqq Khalifah
Rasheed Shabazz is a multimedia storyteller, urban planning historian, and youth development professional based in the Bay Area. He is co-director of Oakland Voices. He recently completed his Masters of City and Regional Planning at UC Berkeley.
At 67,I was first a student of Frederick Douglass, then Booker T. Washington, then Imam W.D.Mohammed(ra),now Imam Faheem Shuaibe, I’m thankful to Allah for all these great men and women who were not mentioned who have been inspirational, influential, and extremely helpful in my life’s journey, I am forever endebted for the countless blessings from Allah(swa), via of these heroes and heroines, love you all Ameen.