The Islamic Society of Greater Youngstown hosted its first-ever Ramadan bazaar on Sunday, bringing together Muslim families, local businesses, and community members ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
Held in Girard, the event featured vendors offering food, clothing, décor, jewellery, and other items connected to Ramadan and Eid preparations, WFMJ reported.
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Organizers said the bazaar aimed to celebrate Muslim culture while strengthening community bonds.
Event organiser Susan Atway Esmail described the gathering as an opportunity to reflect the diversity of Muslims in the area.
“There’s actually a lot of Muslims in our community, different cultures, different ethnicities,” she said.
Month of Prayer
Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a period marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, charity, and community connection.
“It’s a month long of prayer, of charity, of fasting, and it’s basically about community,” Esmail said.
She added that the bazaar helps families prepare for the month and the celebrations that follow its conclusion.
“The bazaar is kind of bringing all of that together, so we’re getting ready to buy gifts, getting ready to have our food catered,” she said.
The event also provided a platform for Muslim and community-based businesses. Suhad Hadi, president of the Arab American Community Center of Youngstown, said the bazaar offered vendors a valuable opportunity to reach new audiences.
“This event is an opportunity for them because they can showcase themselves beyond their normal business season,” she said.
Hadi expressed appreciation for the strong community response.
“We’re so happy the community embraced this whole event, and I don’t think we could’ve asked for a better turnout,” she said.
Organizers hope the bazaar will become an annual tradition, reflecting the growing presence and contributions of Muslims in the Greater Youngstown area.