“It’s really just a heightened time of spirituality, reflection and time of worship for Muslims all around the world.”
Saif Fayed is a student at Grand Valley State University and explains Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide with fasting and prayer. It’s also a time of increased charity, particularly feeding the hungry.
“That’s exactly what we do here in the West Michigan area as well, making meal kits or packages for those who are needy or less fortunate and we distribute those around the area.”
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Fayed sees the area’s Muslim community growing, and on campus where he is president of the Muslim Student Association.
“Now we hold Friday prayers on campus every week and we have constantly seen it growing and growing from 2-3 people to 10 people to 15 and it keeps growing and growing.”
According to the World Population Review, in the United States, Michigan ranks sixth in Muslim population with more than 241,000 residents, mostly in the Detroit area. In West Michigan Fayed says Muslims have been viewed as a “distant culture” and he hopes to find more ways to share discussions about his community.
“I would encourage people to learn more about Islam or just Muslims in general as a religion but there’s also cultural aspects to it so don’t be afraid to talk to a Muslim and ask about their beliefs or culture. I promise we’re lovely to talk to.”
