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There is a small Muslim community in Mexico |
By
Mudar Abdulghani, IOL Mexico Correspondent
MEXICO
CITY, November 23 (IslamOnline) - Muslims in Mexico started observing
the holy month of Ramadan on November 6.
Some
Muslims determined the date based on information received from Islamic
countries, while others used information received from adjacent
countries, mainly the USA.
The
moon sighting information from abroad concurred with information
received from the Observatory of the UNAM (the Autonomous University
of Mexico.)
As
normal, the Taraweeh prayer started immediately on the night
before Ramadan, and was well-attended by members of the small Muslim
community of Mexico City.
The
Islamic Center has planned and implemented a beneficial educational
and worship program for the Muslims.
Regular
classes of Quran are given before the Maghrib prayer.
After
the Iftar (break of the fast), there is another interesting
class about the life of the Prophet, peace be upon him.
The
fasting starts approximately at 5:30 AM, and continues until about 6
PM.
Since
this is a non-Muslim country, Muslims have to keep their regular
schedule of work or study, which is from about 9 AM to 5 PM.
Despite
this long duration, very few are complaining from fatigue.
The
climate in Mexico city is moderately cold nowadays, and this makes the
fast more convenient.
The
collective Iftar is a good occasion for gathering the Muslims
of various nationalities: Arab, Pakistani, as well as an increasing
number of Mexican Muslims.
The
warm display of brotherhood could account for several new converts
(five in the first 10 days of Ramadan,) who have been impressed by the
world of Islam and the genuine feelings of brotherhood among Muslims
from different races.
Some
non-Muslims have been invited to the collective iftar, and it
was a good chance to experience the warmth of the Muslim community,
and the brotherly atmosphere that’s ready to welcome any stranger in
a friendly manner.
The
number of those attending the collective Iftar and taraweeh
varies between 20-50 everyday, which shows how small the Muslim
community in the city is.
Many
Muslims find it hard to join these collective activities, due to the
fact that they live very far.
With
Mexico City being one of the largest in the world, some Muslims have
to travel for one or two hours in order to reach the Islamic Center.
A
number of Muslims explained that this Ramadan has a better feeling
than last year, with more attendance at the Center, and more organized
activities that give the Muslims a chance for education as well as
worship.
Some
new converts expressed excitement at joining such a busy program, and
enjoying Ramadan with their newfound brothers and sisters.
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