2-28-2025 1:12am

A Time To Come Together: Here’s Where You Can Celebrate Ramadan In Minnesota

Tom Akaolisa Editor

A Time To Come Together: Here’s Where You Can Celebrate Ramadan In Minnesota

Mosques across Minnesota will open their doors for iftars and fundraisers during Ramadan, which begins on Friday, Feb. 28.

The month of Ramadan will commence on the evening of Friday, Feb. 28. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar, also known as the Islamic calendar and is the month in which the Quran was revealed.

Fasting from the break of dawn to sunset, reflecting on important themes and lessons in the Quran, charitable giving and deep introspection are all hallmarks of the holy month for Muslims all over the world.

In Minnesota, mosques and other organizations will open their doors and set the table for iftars, the sundown meal where people look forward to breaking their fast with plates piled high with their favorite dishes.

Usually 30 days, Ramadan’s conclusion will be met with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, tentatively expected to take place on Sunday, March 30, or Monday, March 31, depending on the sighting of the new moon.

Fasting in the Islamic tradition is from the break of dawn to sunset. For the month of Ramadan in Minnesota this year, that period will last for about 12 hours at the beginning of the month, but stretch to 14 hours as the days grow longer. For many, the shared experience of fasting strengthens their spirituality, and the refreshing iftar meals deepen their sense of community.

Islamic scholar Tamara Gray, founder of the Rabata Cultural Center, says that people go to community iftars generally for three reasons, one of them being to eat.

“They also go to see people they haven’t seen all year. It’s really hard to make friends as adults, and one thing you need is proximity. You need a place where you’re going to run into each other. So Ramadan iftars offers an opportunity for adults to come together where otherwise life just doesn’t allow that, because of all the reasons everyone knows between work and children and family life and seasons of life, etc.,” Gray says.

“The third reason,” she says, “is because people are lonely. That’s the hardest one to fulfill, because if you’re lonely and you show up at an iftar where everybody already has their people that they haven’t seen all year, and they’re like, ‘Yay Salam Alaikum Sister this, Brother this, so good to see you” — but [if] nobody says that to you, you’re going to feel lonelier than you felt when you first went.”

Gray recommends that community iftar organizers set up volunteer greeters and friends to ensure no attendees feel alone.

“I think that loneliness piece we need to work to fulfill, it does take effort, but it’s so important. The loneliness of Ramadan is different than the loneliness of regular life, because you fasted all day, you really want to join in community to feel like we’ve been doing this together. I think it’s really important that we as community leaders across the board are paying attention to those who are coming in seeking companionship or community,” she says.

Here’s how you can celebrate Ramadan in Minnesota this year:

Ongoing events

Masjid An Nur

When: Iftar available Monday through Thursday at sunset
Where: 1729 N. Lyndale Ave., Minneapolis
Cost: Free
More info: Email info@masjidannur.org or call 612-521-1749

Eastern Twin Cities Islamic Center

When: Iftar available Friday through Sunday at sunset
Where: 12585 Hudson Road S., Afton
Cost: Free
More info: Call 651-200-3956

Rabata Cultural Center Ladies Iftars

When: Every Thursday at sunset
Where: Rabata Cultural Center & Bookshop, 3533 Lexington Ave. N., Arden Hills
Cost: Free, register here
More info: Email bookshop@rabata.org

Masjid Ar-Rahim Islamic Community Center

When: Saturdays and Sundays at sunset
Where: 5820 74th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park
Cost: Free
More info: Call 612-229-4974

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One-time events

Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS) Ramadan Fundraiser

When: Saturday, March 1, 6 p.m.
Where: South Metro Islamic Center 15400 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount
Cost: Free
More info: Email communications@masmn.org

Amanah Rec Project Ramadan Iftar

When: Friday, March 7, 5 p.m.
Where: The Loppet Foundation, 1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis
Cost: $15, tickets here
More info: Email hikinghijabie@gmail.com

Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) Relief

When: Friday, March 7, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Mounds View Community Center, 5394 Edgewood Drive, Mounds View
Cost: $25, tickets here
More info: Email info@icnarelief.org

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Niagara Foundation
When: Friday, March 7, 5:30 p.m.
Where: 6565 Oakley Drive N.E., Minneapolis
Cost: Free, register here
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com

Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS) Ramadan Fundraiser

When: Friday, March 7, 6 p.m.
Where: Maple Grove Masjid, 10186 Lancaster Lane N., Maple Grove
Cost: Free
More info: Email communications@masmn.org

Al-Amal School Ramadan Fundraiser

When: Saturday, March 8, 2025, 6:10 p.m.

Where: Mounds View Community Center, 5394 Edgewood Drive, Mounds View
Cost: $18, tickets here
More info: Email info@al-amal.org or call 763- 571-8886

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Islamic Community Center of Minnesota/Masjid Al-Iman
When: Saturday, March 8, 4:30 p.m.
Where: 1429 2nd Street N.E., Minneapolis
Cost: Free, register here
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Islamic Association of Mankato
When: Saturday, March 8, 5:30 p.m.
Where: 222 E. Walnut St., Mankato
Cost: Free, register here. More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com

Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS) Ramadan Fundraiser

Who: Quba Islamic Center of Chaska
When: Saturday, March 8, 6 p.m.
Where: Chaska Community Center, 1661 Park Ridge Drive, Chaska
Cost: Free
More info: Email communications@masmn.org

Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) Ramadan Fundraiser

When: Sunday, March 9, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave. N., Plymouth
Cost: Free, RSVP here
More info: Email mbosc@cair.com

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Maple Grove Masjid
When: Monday, March 10, 6:30 p.m.
Where: 10186 Lancaster Lane N., Maple Grove
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Brooklyn Park Islamic Center
When: Tuesday, March 11, 6 p.m.
Where: 2100 93rd Way N., Brooklyn Park
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Blaine Masjid
When: Tuesday, March 11, 6:30 p.m.
Where: 12175 Aberdeen St. N.E., Blaine
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Northwest Islamic Community Center
When: Wednesday, March 12 , 6:15 p.m.
Where: 3300 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Coon Rapids Mosque
When: Wednesday, March 12, 6:30 p.m.
Where: 1313 Coon Rapids Blvd. N.W., Coon Rapids
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with Dar Al-Hijra
When: Wednesday, March 12, 6:30 p.m.
Where: 504 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the South Metro Islamic Center
When: Thursday, March 13, 6:30 p.m.
Where: 15400 South Robert Trail, Rosemount
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with Dar Al-Farooq Center
When: Thursday, March 13, 5:30 p.m.
Where: 8201 Park Ave., Bloomington
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Faith & Friendships Annual Community Iftar

Who: City of New Brighton and Mounds View School District’s Faith & Friendships student group.
When: Friday, March 14, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Irondale High School, 2425 Long Lake Road, New Brighton
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Call 651-638-2100.

Building Blocks of Islam Iftar

When: Friday, March 14, 6 p.m.
Where: Mounds View Community Center, 5394 Edgewood Drive, Mounds View
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email info@thebuildingblocks.org.

Islamic Relief USA Grand Iftar

When: Friday, March 14, 6 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Marriott West, 9960 Wayzata Blvd., Minneapolis
Cost: $45 in advance, tickets.
More info: Call Muhammad Hafeez at 312-728-0114 or Abrar Alhayek at 708-890-3441 or email mw@irusa.org.

American Relief Agency for the Horn of Africa (ARAHA) Annual Ramadan Iftar

When: Saturday, March 15, 5 p.m.
Where: Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave. N., Plymouth
Cost: $30, tickets.
More info: Email info@araha.org.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Islamic Center of Minnesota
When: Saturday, March 15, 5:30 p.m.
Where: 1401 Gardena Avenue N.E., Fridley
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Imam Husain Islamic Center
When: Saturday, March 15, 6 p.m.
Where: 6120 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Eastern Twin Cities Islamic Center Fundraising Iftar

When: Saturday, March 15, 7:18 p.m.
Where: 12585 Hudson Road S., Afton
Cost: Free
More info: Call 651-200-3956.

American Muslims for Palestine MN Ramadan Fundraising Dinner

When: Sunday, March 16, 5:15 p.m.
Where: Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove
Cost: $10, tickets here.
More info: Email info@ampalestine.org or call 703-534-3032.

Islamic Resource Group Bridging Communities Fundraising Iftar

When: Sunday, March 16, 6 p.m.
Where: Rabata Cultural Center & Bookshop, 3533 Lexington Ave. N., Arden Hills
Cost: $10, tickets.
More info: Email irg@irgmn.com, or call 612-460-0165.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Rabata Cultural Center
When: Tuesday, March 18, 6 p.m.
Where: 3533 Lexington Ave. N., Arden Hills
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with Assalam Mosque
When: Tuesday, March 18, 6:30 p.m.
Where: 1460 Skillman Ave. E., Maplewood
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with Masjid Ar-Rahman
When: Tuesday, March 18, 6:40 p.m.
Where: 8910 Old Cedar Ave., Bloomington
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Quba Islamic Center
When: Wednesday, March 19, 6:30 p.m.
Where: 415 N. Chestnut St., Chaska
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Eastern Twin Cities Islamic Center
When: Thursday, March 20, 5:30 p.m.
Where: 12585 Hudson Road S., Afton
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with Abubakar As-Saddique/Faribault Islamic Center
When: Thursday, March 20, 6 p.m.
Where: 1201 Division St. W., Faribault
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with Masjid at-Taqwa
When: Thursday, March 20, 6:30 p.m.
Where: 1608 Como Ave., St. Paul
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar

Who: Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with Abubakar As-Sadique
When: Saturday, March 22, 5 p.m.
Where: 2824 13th Ave. S., Minneapolis
Cost: Free, register here.
More info: Email Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com.

Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community Deaf Iftar

When: Saturday, March 22, 5 p.m.
Where: Roseville Skating Center, 2661 Civic Center Drive, Olympic Room, St. Paul
Cost: Tickets, starting at $29.
More info: Email mdmc@mndeafmuslim.org.

SOURCE: SahanJournal