Democracy reporting tour and Ramadan — a reporter’s unique experience in America

Las Vegas / Columbus:To experience the spirit of Ramadan in Las Vegas, worshippers gather daily at Masjid As Sabur for Iftar and prayers. Joining arou...

Las Vegas / Columbus: To experience the spirit of Ramadan in Las Vegas, worshippers gather daily at Masjid As-Sabur for Iftar and prayers. Joining around 200 community members on the second day of Ramadan, I embraced the warmth and tradition at the mosque - just a 20 minute drive away from the iconic Las Vegas Boulevard.

“In the month of Ramadan people gather here for Iftar every evening, sometimes 100 to 200 people. Families from the neighbourhood bring food and it never goes to waste; the leftovers go to the homeless community,” said Fateen Seifullah, imam at Masjid As-Sabur. Masjid As-Sabur is the oldest among the seven mosques in Las Vegas. Founded in the 1970s, it has expanded over the years. Today, its congregation is about 50 families - a mix of African Americans, immigrants and converts of various backgrounds. They are mainly from the neighbourhood “Muslim Village.”

“One of the things that we have found is that we can’t just build buildings we have to develop hearts and communities,” said Seifullah.

The mosque plays an integral part in helping the community stay resilient and helping address economic distress, homelessness. It reflects the inclusivity of Las Vegas.