Mahwah to Hold First Welcome Ramadan Crescent Lighting with Community, Crafts and Refreshments, Friday, March 24 at 6 pm, Mahwah Town Hall

Mahwah will hold the first Ramadan Crescent Lighting Ceremony with music, crafts, refreshments and speeches/songs. Mayor of Mahwah, James Wysocki, the Imam Mouataz Charaf of El-Zahra Center of Midland Park, and Superintendent of Mahwah Schools, Dr. Michael DeTuro will speak at the event that will also feature Mahwah youth singers and speakers. Towns across Bergen County are holding crescent lighting events this year in an effort to increase awareness of the important spiritual month and acceptance of Muslims who make up 3% of the population in New Jersey.

Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and charity for nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide who celebrate it, will begin on Wednesday, March 22 and end with the Eid al-Fitr holiday on April 21. Healthy Muslim adults abstain from food and drink, increase community service and charity for the month that is meant to act as a spiritual renewal each year.

A study by the Pew Center shows that of America’s 2.15 million Muslims, 77% of men and 82% of women fast. In 39 countries surveyed with large Muslim populations, nearly 9 out of 10 Muslim adults fast, making it one of the most important pillars of faith.

Mahwah’s Crescent will be lit at sunset to signal the end of the fast for those in attendance that are fasting and a time to eat and celebrate. All are welcome to attend the first time ever event in front of Town Hall.

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