Products are independently selected by our editors.
We may earn an affiliate commission from links.
Most had never attended an Iftar.
Kamal Kamal serving Deana Haggag and Afeef Nessouli.
All of the guests were friends or colleaguesjournalists and storytellers, artists and makers.
Arsh Raziuddin speaking to the room full of guests at Lees on Canal in New York City.
The sound of recitation still puts me at ease.
Arsh Raziuddin speaking to the room full of guests at Lee’s on Canal in New York City.
This iftar felt different from those in my past.
At least, not in the same way that the people around me did.
The word Muslim translates directly to submission.
Journalists and creatives Lauren Williams, Bim Adewunmi, Diana Elbasha, Hannah Giorgis, and LinYee Yuan enjoy their iftar.
A Muslim is someone who submits to Islam.
But what if I only submitsometimes?
Arent we still Muslims, even if were consideredbadMuslims?
Photo: Christian Rodriguez
Arsh Raziuddin, Kamal Kamal, and Noreen Wasti introducing the meal.
We started with lighter bites;papri chaatandsamboosas, mocktails made up ofAplosand Ghia.
No one was drinking alcohol, at least for tonight.
Arsh Raziuddin, Kamal Kamal, and Noreen Wasti introducing the meal.
ChefsKamal Kamaland Noreen Wasti explained the entrees, typical of their individual upbringings.
Herpapri chaatpaid homage to her background toothe full, overloaded plate resembled the way herlate fatherhad prepared it.
The smell of Noreen and Kamals food felt comforting.
Fresh herbs to top the papri chaat.
I hadnt traveled home to Maryland for Ramadan this year and Id missed my momspakorasandchanna chaat.
I imagined having chai with the friends faces that filled my family home for three decades.
Fresh herbs to top the papri chaat.
Photo: Christian Rodriguez
Laura Ferrara and Woldy Reyes sip on Aplos while listening to a speech.
Pam Nasr and Ms. Z.
After dinner, I read excerpts from Kaveh Akbars On Fasting,from a 2019 issue ofThe Paris Review.
Laura Ferrara and Woldy Reyes sip on Aplos while listening to a speech.
Noreen and Kamal came back with desserts.
Kamal madebasboosa, a syrupy semolina cake, the Palestinian dessert that reminds him of the sweetness of home.
Arsh Raziuddin inraw mango.
Pam Nasr and Ms. Z.
Flowers bySoursop Flower Farm.
Noreen Wasti prepared saffron sugar sticks to serve with tea.
The misfits of theUmmah, the Muslims of the masses.
Arsh Raziuddin inraw mango.
It’s equally easy to feel shameful about claiming Islam without adhering to the rules.
What feels most salient to me is the clear focus on intention and goodness.
Felukah performing Revolution Song.
Flowers bySoursop Flower Farm.
Acacia Magazine gifted alongside soaps from thePalestinian Soap Cooperative.
Aliza Abarbanel, Umaimah Sharwani, Tara Thomas, Woldy Reyes, Jasmine Pierce, and Mehreen Karim.
A Gazan woman recently arrived, eight months pregnant, after relentless bombing by the Israeli military.
Noreen Wasti’skheer.
Kashif Shaikh of Pillars Fund.
Hosts Kamal Kamal, Noreen Wasti, and Arsh Raziuddin.
Kamal Kamal preparingbasboosa.
Noreen Wasti prepared saffron sugar sticks to serve with tea.
Felukah performing “Revolution Song.”
Acacia Magazine gifted alongside soaps from thePalestinian Soap Cooperative.
Aliza Abarbanel, Umaimah Sharwani, Tara Thomas, Woldy Reyes, Jasmine Pierce, and Mehreen Karim.
Writer Rozina Ali and Hira Ahmed, editor-in-chief of Acacia Magazine, along with Sarah Leonard, editor-in-chief of Lux Magazine.
Kashif Shaikh of Pillars Fund.
Hosts Kamal Kamal, Noreen Wasti, and Arsh Raziuddin.
