ROCHESTER – A local mosque in Rochester, southern Minnesota, is hosting a food drive during the holy month of Ramadan.
“The drive is one of my dreams I should say,” Nabeela Zubair with the Masjid AbuBakr Al-Seddiq mosque told KIMT3 News.
“Especially during Ramadan, I know that there are families that are hand to mouth and they want to have something as a help for them, so we thought about this food drive.”
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islamic calendar. It is expected to start this year on Wednesday, May 16.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint, and good deeds.
The food drive and collecting of non- perishable food, which will kick off on Sunday, May 13, is just the beginning of a much bigger effort.
“Our goal is not to just keep it to our Muslim community, we are trying to make it for everyone, welcoming everyone,” Nabeela said.
“Muslims are also wanting to help their community and beyond that.”
The mosque hopes to turn the drive into a permanent food bank for everyone in need in Rochester, eventually collecting food and clothing.
“We Muslims are also peacemakers, peace lovers, we want to help every group, ethnicity, culture, and be part of this…community,” Nabeela said.
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