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Ramadan begins in Southern California: A guide for observing the holy month
Hundreds of people attend Friday midday prayer at the Islamic Society of Orange County mosque.
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Samanta Helou Hernandez
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LAist
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Muslims in Southern California begin fasting for Ramadan from sunrise to sunset for 29 or 30 days, depending on when the new crescent moon is sighted. We have a comprehensive guide to help you observe the holy month.
Where does everyone go for tharaweeh prayers
From Corona and Pasadena, from the South Bay and the Valley, most Muslims make their way to the Islamic Society of Orange County mosque in Garden Grove for the evening prayers called tharaweeh, which is derived from the Arabic word for rest and relaxation. On weekends, the mosque has guest speakers who talk about tenets of the religion. There are also food trucks and small business stalls set up on the mosque grounds for visitors to peruse.
Barakah Cafe on the premises keeps worshippers caffeinated for the prayers that go well into the early hours of the morning, especially during the last 10 nights of Ramadan. Don’t sleep on the rose cardamom latte.
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Other mosques to go to for tharaweeh prayers:
- King Fahad Mosque in Culver City
- Islamic Center of Yorba Linda
- Islamic Center of Reseda
- Islamic Society of Corona
Greetings
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On the first days of Ramadan, you can greet your colleague or friend with: Ramadan Kareem or Ramadan Mubarak
On Eid ul-Fitr, the festival culminating the end of Ramadan, you can say: Eid Mubarak or Eid Saeed
Where to get Suhoor (morning meal) after Qiyam (late night prayers)
@hamzahpt.2 feels like im back home #alamir #anaheim #ramadan
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Qiyam is prayed in the wee hours of the morning, just after midnight, and usually ends at around 3 a.m. Where can one grab a meal at those hours? The IHOP in Fullerton serves halal food, or food that includes meat that is slaughtered according to Islamic rites and prepared under Islamic rules.
Other food options:
- Naz’s Halal Food in Garden Grove
- And the OG: Al Amir Bakery in Anaheim. Pro tip, get the za’atar manakeesh topped with pickled turnips, sliced red onions and arugula
Invited for iftar/suhoor: Best practices
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- You don’t have to bring anything, but if you want to, fresh flowers are a nice gesture. Be mindful of taking alcohol or food as not every Muslim drinks and some might adhere to halal guidelines.
- If they pray, you don’t have to participate.
- Wait for them to break their fast to eat.
- Muslims typically eat with their right hands.
- Be on time so you won’t miss the experience of breaking fast or beginning a fast.
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Best spots for "Ramadan vibes" — where does everyone hang out after they break their fast?
Where did we all go before Qamaria Coffee opened? Ever since the Yemeni coffee shop opened, getting a table after Maghrib prayers (sunset prayers) is a challenge. Groups of friends and families gather around tables sipping Adeni tea and eating spoonfuls of milk cakewell into the night. The cafe has a policy of not asking patrons to leave after they finish their food and drink, allowing time for rounds of cards, backgammon and Taboo.
Other options:
- Nubia Cafe in Anaheim
- Yama Shisha close to the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles
- Sana’a Cafe in Lake Forest
How to support your fasting friend/colleague
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- Be thoughtful when you plan a meeting so that it doesn't clash with the time to break fast or too late in the day when energy levels can be low.
- Don’t make jokes about eating or drinking in front of them. It is completely OK to eat in front of a fasting person, but making jokes or inappropriate comments won't sit well.
- Don’t ask why someone isn’t fasting. There are so many reasons Muslims are exempt from fasting, such as being on their period or traveling long distances.
- Not even water? Don’t put the onus on a Muslim colleague or friend to explain Ramadan to you, there are plenty of resources available online.
What's on everyone’s playlist
Imam Omar Suleiman releases a daily Ramadan video series where he discusses a topic pertaining to a theme. And these prove to be a hit with fasting people, especially during the day.
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Muslim Girl emphatically declared Maher Zain is to Ramadan what Mariah Carey is to Christmas time. My social feeds already have the songs Ya Nabi and Rahmatun Lil’Alameen on a loop.
What else to listen to:
- The Qalam Institute Podcast
- Muslim Central Podcast
The SoCal businesses to patronize for Ramadan and Eid decor
The Nour Company on the premises of Islamic Center of Irvine is like a Muslim Hallmark store, selling Ramadan themed gift wrap, Eid greeting cards and culturally relevant decor. Valeria Trevino, a Latina who converted to Islam, opened the business as a way for Muslim families to experience the joys she did around Christmas time.
For those who want to shop online, Chino based designer Erum Khalili’s Ramadan and Eid products are inspired by traditional Islamic art, but given a modern twist.
Where else to shop:
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