AhlulBayt News Agency: Hundreds of Muslims gathered in New York’s Times Square for iftar and Taraweeh prayers on Friday night, with 1,500 free meals distributed at Broadway and Seventh Avenue.
Organised by Muslim American content creator WayofLifeSQ, the event drew large crowds and included the distribution of 1,200 copies of the Quran in multiple languages.
The YouTuber documented the Ramadan gathering across his social media platforms, where it gained significant traction both online and in person, as well as praise from fellow observers of the Islamic holy month.
Attendees at the iconic New York square were seen taking part in the voluntary night prayers known as Taraweeh following the Isha prayer during Ramadan.
According to WayofLifeSQ, two Americans also converted to Islam during the event, prompting applause and support from those gathered on Friday.
However, the YouTuber also raised concerns about the presence of an alleged non-Muslim heckler who reportedly caused disruption during the Ramadan iftar and Taraweeh event.
Many social media users highlighted the event’s emphasis on inclusivity, particularly following the election of New York City’s first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
"The Muslim community was out distributing iftar boxes (chicken & rice) to anyone and everyone passing by. NYC really is a melting pot," one user wrote on the social media platform X.
New York City had permitted similar public Muslim gatherings in Times Square prior to Mamdani’s mayoralty in 2026.
Previous Ramadan events were held under former mayor Eric Adams, and comparable gatherings have taken place for years in public spaces such as Washington Square Park.
More than half a million practising Muslims in New York City recently marked the start of Ramadan, regarded as the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
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