Honoring Islamic rituals and culture, the Muslim community hosts Ramadan Suhoor Festival
On March 29 and 30, Chicago Suhoor Nights were held outside of the newly built ISNS Masjid in Rolling Meadows. The Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce, the Islamic Society of Northwest Suburbs, and several other community organizations planned the event.
An estimated 3,000 people attended the opening night on March 29. An additional 2,500 people attended the second day of the event. Entrance was free, and there were 40 food stations serving a variety of international cuisines. The Chicago community was relieved of the responsibility of preparing breakfast in the wee hours of the morning by purchasing from and supporting Muslim Hilal food sellers for two days.
The crescent moon was observed in the Chicago area on March 11, marking the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
During Ramadan Muslims all throughout the world get up early every morning to eat a meal known as suhoor. Muslims begin their fast at sunrise and continue it until dusk.
Several Muslim communities in the U.S. have annual Suhoor Festivals every year, collaborating with merchants and eateries during the permitted dining hours of Ramadan. The Suhoor Festival has become an American Muslim Festival in Ramadan. However, this is the Chicago area’s First Suhoor festival.
According to Shafeek Abubaker, one of the event organizers, “The goal of Chicago Suhoor Fest is to establish a tradition for our Islamic communities to engage in together for generations to come.”
“We are here Today in the Suhoor Festival to indulge in a delightful predawn meal with friends, family and the vibrant Chicago community,” a visitor commented. “Experience the delicious variety of traditional fare and immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions and flavors of Ramadan. There are numerous things to enjoy for everyone, including savory food and sweet desserts.”
An occasion to mark the vast array of Halal food alternatives available throughout the Chicago region. The state’s top halal restaurants brought their mouthwatering fare together for the first time ever.
Abdul Javed, a Chicago-based Muslim, brought up the fact that more than 40 food merchants took part in Suhoor Fest sales. A diverse range of cuisines, including Middle Eastern and South Asian-style BBQ, Chai, Philly cheesesteaks, and even halal boba, were available from these vendors. He said that in order to accommodate the long lines and large number of patrons, vendors planned to serve thousands of meals by offering a large version of their menu.