by Patricia Salahuddin and Wilfredo Ruiz | April 7, 2023
‘Muslims in South Florida are living out this statement from the Qur’an, the Muslim book of scripture. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims from different cultures, ethnicities and social and economic backgrounds gather to follow the commands of God to pray and break the fast from food and drink — Iftar.
‘Muslims are not the only group commanded to fast. The Quranic scripture states, “Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for others before you,” referring to the Jewish and Christian faiths. As there is unity in diversity, this year, the three Abrahamic faiths, Islam, Judaism and Christianity, will observe important holidays in April.’
This is how volunteer members of South Florida Muslim Federation, Patricia Salahuddin and Wilfredo Ruiz explain the meaning of Muslim diversity and the reverence they have towards the holy month of Ramadan. The opinion piece, published in Miami Herald, quotes verses from the Holy Quran as well as Ramadan practices such as moon sighting from the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and those observed by Muslims today such as sharing meals with Muslims and non-Muslims alike, charity and increased ibada.
Read the full article here: During Ramadan, South Florida Muslims Find Unity in Their Diversity
Patricia Salahuddin, Ed.D. is the Miami-Dade Representative of SFL Muslim Federation and chairperson of the Clara Mohammed School Network, Inc. in Miami. Wilfredo Ruiz, an attorney, is Communication Director of the Council of American Islamic Relations, CAIR-Florida and former Executive Committee Member of SFL Muslim Federation.
