Mahwah To Host First-Ever Ramadan Crescent Lighting

MAHWAH, NJ — Mahwah is lighting an eight-foot, stainless steel crescent moon in front of Town Hall to enlighten awareness of the Muslim experience and the values of the Islamic faith.

On Friday, the township will host its first crescent lighting ceremony to mark the start of Ramadan — the Islamic month of fasting and charity — in an effort to increase acceptance and inclusivity of Muslims, who make up 3% of the New Jersey population.

Mahwah is one of multiple Bergen County municipalities that are hosting crescent lighting events to drive awareness of Ramadan — which (this year) begins Wednesday and ends with Eid al-Fitr, or the "feast of fast-breaking," on April 21, in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar.

"These events will serve to combat hate and celebrate diversity within Bergen County," said the Eid Committee of New Jersey, which is collaborating with Muslim groups, mosques and organizations to sponsor the events.

Mahwah Township officials and Imam Mouataz Charaf of El-Zahra Center in Midland Park will speak at the event that will also feature local Muslim students singing Quran recitations and the patriotic song "America The Beautiful", according to local mother Nadia Khan.

Khan and her friend and local mom Sobia Hamlani are helping to organize the Mahwah event, and they — with approval from town officials — raised the funds to secure a stainless steel crescent that will be installed with ground stakes in front of Town Hall for the 6 p.m. ceremony on Friday.

"I'm excited for this first-time-ever event to recognize the diversity of our community and highlight our very own Muslim American Ramadan," Khan said.

"(Mahwah's) continued commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion creates a stronger community for all of our families," Hamlani said.

Event attendees, Khan and the Eid Committee said, will also have the opportunity to participate in arts and crafts, and enjoy refreshments, as they revel in the lights, make new friends and learn about Muslim traditions.

"We urge all members of the community to join us," the Eid Committee said. "We express our gratitude to (Mahwah) for the support and for championing diversity."