7 Ways Philadelphia's observing Ramadan

THERE IS no place in the world (other than Mecca, for obvious reasons) that I would rather be during Ramadan than Philadelphia. If you grew up in the local Islamic community, as I did, you know there is something special about how Muslims here observe the faith's holiest month.

Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic lunar calendar, commemorates the month in which Muslims believe that the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast - no food, drink or even water - and refrain from sexual intercourse from dawn until sunset. Muslims are also encouraged to increase their good deeds, prayers and donations to charity at this time. All Muslims, male and female, who have reached puberty and are physically and mentally healthy are required to fast. Women who are menstruating, pregnant, postpartum or nursing may be exempted.

Muslims in America began fasting last Wednesday or Thursday, based on the sighting of the new moon.

For me, Ramadan has always been a spiritual spring cleaning - a time for self-evaluation, religious growth and improvement.

Here are some ways I and others in Philadelphia's Muslim community will observe Ramadan:

When you have fasted 16 hours, the last thing you want to do is fire up the stove. You just want to do the Mahgrib (sunset prayer) and eat something - anything!

Local Muslims have several options when breaking their daily fast at the sunset meal, or Iftar. Several Philadelphia mosques feed fasting Muslims every night during Ramadan. Others pick several days of the week to offer complimentary iftar.

The Muslim Students Association of Historically Black Colleges and Universities had its annual iftar Saturday at the Philadelphia Masjid, on Wyalusing Avenue. Current students and alumni were invited.

Then there are meals in private homes.

Three years ago, Amir and Nafeesah Salahuddin, of Oak Lane, hosted iftar for family and friends at their home every Friday during Ramadan. "To me there has always been something special about sharing a meal with loved ones," said Nafeesah Salahuddin.

"I would look forward to Ramadan so much as a child primarily because of the sense of belonging I felt when I would go to my friends' homes for iftar. Once I became a mother, I knew I wanted to re-create that same loving feeling for my children," said the mother of four very active boys.

In case you don't get a private invitation, find a community iftar at:

* United Muslim Masjid: Serves iftar every night during Ramadan. Donations to cover costs are appreciated but not required. (810 S. 15th St., 215-546-6555)

* Masjid Mujahideen: Serves iftar every Sunday during Ramadan. Sponsorships and in-kind donations, such as boxes of dates or cases of water, are appreciated. (413 S. 60th St., 215-471-7073)

JUICE'e by Abu the Juiceman is a juice, smoothie, salad and sandwich bar that has helped revitalize a Chester shopping corridor. (504 Avenue of the States, Chester, 610-499-1438; Instagram @abuthejuiceman72) During Ramadan, you can find Abu's popular homemade juices at masajids in Philadelphia. When you've fasted all day long in 90-degree heat, there is nothing more refreshing than Abu's cold mixed-berry juice or ginger ice tea.

Local masajids usually have ongoing classes and workshops to educate the devout about their faith and provide wholesome family activities. These often increase during Ramadan.

"Ramadan is time to reboot," explained Imam Shadeed Muhammad, who will offer a series of classes during Ramadan at the historic Philadelphia Masjid (4700 Wyalusing Ave., 215-877-2800). "It is an opportunity to recharge your religious conscience and evaluate the condition of your soul."

Imam Muhammad will offer classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, starting at 7:15 p.m. and concluding at the sunset prayer in time to break the fast. Classes are free; no registration required.

Every year, the PECO Crown Lights beam a Ramadan message from atop the PECO building at 23rd and Market streets. "To the Muslim community: Happy Ramadan!" will appear on the building tonight and on occasional evenings through July 17, according to a PECO spokesman.

Ladies, if you need a reason to shop, Eid al-Fitr is a good one. The first day of Shawwal, the 10th month on the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. (It will be July 18 this year in North America.)

This is a festive time of prayer, food and fun. Families exchange gifts, and ladies wear their best clothes to celebrate.

Stores that specialize in Islamic attire extend their hours for last-minute shoppers in the days leading up to Eid al-Fitr.

I already have my outfit. But for all you last-minute sisters, here are my favorite places to shop for Eid clothing and gifts:

* Amatullah's Treasures: Accessories such as jewelry and handbags, and a wide selection of clothing. (6303 Lansdowne Ave., 215-473-2226, on Instagram @AmatuallahsTreasures)

* Authentic Statements: Imported Saudi clothing, books, CDs, Islamic greeting cards. (5000 Locust St., side entrance, 215-382-3382, authenticstatements.com, on Instagram @AuthenticStatements)

* The Islamic Place: Or, as I call it, "the warehouse of wonder," has wall-to-wall khimars (scarves), plus books, toys, puzzles and gifts for the home. (5225 Chestnut St., 215-748-3333, islamicplace.com, on Instagram @TheIslamicPlace)

* Sadik Fashions: A dynamic selection of niqabs (veils), garments and shoes for the fashionable Muslimah. (5149 Germantown Ave., 215-991-9020, on Instagram @SadikaFashions)

Maison de Chic, a Muslimah-friendly, women-exclusive hair salon in the Window Factory Building, will host its 2nd Annual Eid Suite July 11-12, the last weekend of Ramadan, as women prepare for Eid al-Fitr.

"Getting together to beautify ourselves for Eid really brings out the sisterhood in our community," said owner Kelli Harris. The salon will offer specials on hair, nails, henna temporary tattoos and massage services. Local halal refreshments will be served.

Walk-ins accepted but appointments are encouraged - and women of all faiths are welcome. No men or boys, though. Nursing babies of either sex are allowed. (2301 N. 9th St., 215-844-1010, on Instagram @maisondechic_salon)

Muslims are encouraged to be more charitable during Ramadan, as charity is a pillar of Islamic faith called Zakat. Every Muslim meeting certain conditions is required to offer a percentage of capital to charity after living expenses and needs are fulfilled. Sadaqa is charity offered at any time in any amount.

Here are a few local Islamic groups that accept donations:

* Islamic Social Service Association of Philadelphia is a nonprofit offering social services to people in need. Contact Executive Director Dr. Rashidah Abdul Khabeer at ummra@hotmail.com or check the ISSAP Facebook page.

* Council of American Islamic Relations helps Muslims who have been discriminated against in the Delaware Valley. More at pa.cair.com.

* G.L.A.M Group is a nonprofit focusing on girls ages 10 to 17. Its mission is to increase girls' leadership, sisterhood, communication and social skills. Go to glamgroupinc.org; or on Instagram @glamgirlsgrp.

* Sponsors are needed for the 33rd Annual Riyaadah Convention here July 24-26. The three-day festival includes Jumu'ah (Friday prayer) in Fairmount Park, a fashion show, family recreational and competitive sports, a sisters-only pool party, a health fair, 3K veterans' walk, poetry, spoken word and much more. About 3,000 attendees are expected. More at riyaadah.org.

* United Ummah of Philly feeds the homeless on alternating weekends at 1901 Vine St., near the Central Library. This will be increased to every weekend during Ramadan. Go to uuop.org to volunteer or donate food.