The call to prayer echoed through a packed hall of the Downtown Islamic Center of Chicago as Muslims from across the area gathered to break their first fast of Ramadan Wednesday night.
Silence fell over the room as dozens bowed their heads in prayer before breaking their fast with dates and water. After prayer, worshippers went downstairs where long tables were set for a communal meal.
They came together with a renewed focus on safety, turning to one another for support amid heightened immigration enforcement across the country.
“A lot of us are children of immigrants, or [are] immigrants,” said Rana Jaber, a board member at the center. “We let our community know that this is a safe space for them.”
To help ensure that safety, Jaber said the Downtown Islamic Center increased their security measures and education in recent months to ensure people can gather to pray safely.
Ramadan, which began on Tuesday evening in the United States, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, prayer and spiritual reflection.
“The whole exercise [of Ramadan] is like a boot camp of turning back to God, re-centering yourself, remembering your purpose, your mission,” Abrar Omeish, 31, said. “It’s turning back to remember who’s in control.”
But as worshippers at the center focused on spiritual renewal, Omeish said many are also navigating uncertainty.
Located near DePaul University’s downtown Loop campus, the center draws international students from local universities, families and newcomers to Chicago looking for community.
Omeish said that renewed immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump has impacted members of the community, as many come from immigrant backgrounds. Still, she said, Ramadan offers a reminder to remain grounded and steadfast in their faith.
“It’s about finding the goodness in whatever is to come — whether … you live the rest of your life here, or maybe are forced out of this country,” she said.
She added, “We come together as a community to remind ourselves of that, and to remind ourselves to stay grounded in what ultimately matters.”
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