Muslims perform Taraweeh prayers for the first time at New York Times Square in the history of the USA. The Muslim community performed special prayers to welcome the month of Ramazan.
The video circulating on social media on Saturday showed a large number of Muslim men gathered at Times Square to perform the prayer in the congregation. The organizer of the event said that Muslims wanted to welcome the holy month of Ramazan at this famous place in the USA. They also wanted to show the world that Islam is a religion of peace. The organizer added that there is a misconception about the religion of Islam.
Muslims take up Times Square, New York for taraweeh prayer. pic.twitter.com/XzTR7muieI
— Muslim (@Muslim) April 3, 2022
“We want to explain our religion to all who don’t know what is it about… Islam is a religion of peace,” said the organizer.
Read more: After UK, Azaan echoes across Europe: In Germany, Netherlands, Belgium (Video)
Mixed reviews
The event, however, has garnered mixed reviews from the Muslim community. Some appreciated the move but others condemned the act of performing Taraweeh prayers at Times Square. They argued that any form of worship including Taraweeh is an intimate form of prayer and certain protocol has been set in Islam to perform prayers. They questioned the validity and authenticity of a prayer performed at a place like Times Square that has billboards all over, sometimes advertising scantily clad models.
Muslims across the world adopt unique ways to welcome and celebrate the month of Ramadan each year.
Last year, London’s historic monument, Tower Bridge, echoed with Azaan given by British-Muslim entrepreneur to mark the last Friday of Ramazan 2021.
Read more: WATCH: Azaan echoes at London’s iconic monument Tower Bridge
Kazi Shafiqur Rehman, 35, delivered Azaan in the style of, the Grand Mosque’s head muezzin, Sheikh Ali Ahmad Mulla. While giving a call to prayer on the UK’s popular historic monument, he wore a white thobe and Saudi ghutra as part of an inter-faith virtual iftar.
The Azaan at the Tower Bridge was given during an Iftar hosted by Tower Hamlet Homes, East London Mosque, London Muslim Center, and Tower Hamlets Interfaith Forum.