In an annual event that has been taking place since 2022, hundreds of Muslims convened in Times Square, New York City, to participate in a community iftar and engage in Tarawih prayers, marking the sacred month of Ramadan. Despite the winter rain and cold temperatures, worshippers came together in the heart of Manhattan, beneath the bright lights and massive billboards, to break their fast, perform the Maghrib, Isha, and Tarawih prayers, creating a vibrant atmosphere that has drawn considerable social media attention each year.

The event featured a collective recitation of the Quran, along with speeches from several imams and religious leaders, who discussed the significance of Ramadan and emphasized the roles of Muslims within their communities, highlighting the essential values of compassion, solidarity, and coexistence in the diverse urban landscape. This gathering reflects both the spiritual commitment of the Muslim community and its integration into the broader multicultural tapestry of New York City.

This year's Ramadan event was particularly notable as it marked the first since Zahran Mohdani took office as the mayor of New York City earlier this year, becoming the first Muslim to hold this position in the city’s history. Activists perceive this milestone as a representation of shifting demographic and political landscapes in one of the world’s most significant cities, indicating a growing recognition of the diverse faiths and traditions that shape its identity.