Ramadan is upon us, Alhamdullilah. Muslims around the world are preparing for this special month. Explore with us the ways Muslims in Indiana prepare and participate in Ramadan.

Each year the Muslim community of Indiana grows by population and the masajid are surpassing opportunities for social and educational programs and events. Although these community events are plentiful throughout the year, Ramadan hosts a number of activities.

Muslim Owned Restaurants and Coffee Shop

Many halal restaurants and Muslim owned coffee shops will be offering specials during Ramadan. Many are still planning for specials, buffet options and extended hours to share. Please check closer to Ramadan for these eateries and coffee shops for those details.

Click for more info on Indiana halal restaurants:

zabiha.com

Indy Halah Foodies on Facebook

Eat Halal Indy on TikTok

Here are some details about community iftar, events and programs and tarawih details. This information is from mosques that replied. If your masjid isn’t listed, it does not mean they do not have any Ramadan events or programs. If you don’t see yours listed, please check with them to see if they offer iftar, tarawih and Ramadan events.

Muslim Community Center/Masjid Al Taqwa

Iftar: Daily Tarawih: Daily Quran class schedule may change during Ramadan

There is a need to modify and expand prayer space at Masjid al Taqwa. Fundraising will continue during Ramadan to support this project. Community support is crucial for this cause.

Click here to donate and contribute to the prayer space expansion.

Majid Al Fajr/IMCA

Iftar: Daily Tarawih: Daily This year Masjid Al Fajr has created a very informational and detailed Ramadan section of their website. On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about Iftar, Tarawih, Events, Iftar sponsorship, tarawih childcare services, volunteer opportunities and ways to financially support Masjid Al Fajr during Ramadan. Please visit the page frequently as it will be updated throughout Ramadan.

Great News! Masjid Al Fajr has childcare services for Tarawih prayer time.

Click here for a direct link to Masjid Al Fajr Ramadan Section

This month I would like to share a recipe myself (Carissa Dellen) for Algerian Chorba. This soup is an Algerian Ramadan tradition and has become a tradition for me. I am sure everyone can relate to having a meal that they typically have during Ramadan and when you smell that meal being prepared, it smells like Ramadan and fills your heart with joy. Chorba, bourek and mango juice are those foods and drinks that bring special happy Ramadan feelings for me.

Algerian Chorba is soup in which ingredients can slightly vary depending on the region of Algeria. Of course, Algerians from different regions believe their version of chorba is best but the good news is that they are all very tasty and you cannot go wrong with any preparation. The region that my recipe for Chorba Vermicelli comes from is Algiers. My recipe calls for chicken, but many prepare chorba with lamb, beef, or completely leave meat out. Some people choose to add or omit chickpeas or vermicelli and some like to add frik, a type of cracked green wheat.

Algerian Chorba Vermicelli

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken (or leave out for meatless option)

1 or 2 large carrots peeled and cut in half or leave whole

1 or 2 medium potatoes peeled and cut in half or cubed

1 large onion cut into small pieces

1 medium zucchini peeled and cut in half or large chunks

Large bunch of cilantro rinsed and chopped, reserve some for garnish

2 large tomatoes skinned and cored, leave whole

½ cup tomato puree divided

5 tsp olive oil

2 heaping Tablespoons paprika

2 cubes vegetable stock cubes

1 heaping Tablespoon black pepper

2 tsp butter

2 cups vermicelli

water

1 can of chickpeas drained (optional)

one small green chili pepper diced or canned diced green chili to your taste (completely optional)

(optional) squeeze a wedge of lemon directly into your bowl before eating.

Directions

In a large pot, pour oil and butter, heat to medium heat and add chicken and onion. sauté for about 10 minutes flipping chicken to cook on both sides.

Then add carrot, zucchini, potato, tomatoes, green chili, and cilantro.  Add paprika, black pepper ¼ c tomato puree, vegetable stock cubes and fill with enough water just to cover everything well but not filling to the top. 

Turn heat to medium high continuing to simmer until chicken and vegetables are cooked. 

Once chicken and vegetables are cooked, remove chicken, and shred or cut into small pieces and set aside. 

Remove all cooked vegetables and place in a blender to puree OR you can keep the veggies in the pot and use an immersion blender. 

Return shredded chicken and pureed vegetables into the pot and add the other ¼ c. tomato puree and add some additional water to fill pot to almost full.  Add vermicelli and /or chickpeas, stir well and simmer on a lower heat for about 30 more minutes. 

Freezes and reheats well!

Here’s another great recipe that my family loves. These meatballs are quick and easy. I always cook double and freeze some in a freezer safe container and I have some to reheat in a crockpot with sauce for another day.

Chicken Meatballs

1 lb ground chicken

1 egg

1/2 c. parmesan cheese

½ c. breadcrumbs

2 cloves garlic minced

2 tsp oregano

½ tsp salt

Olive oil

Combine all ingredients except for oil. Form into balls.  Add oil to frying pan and cook until done and the outside is a bit brown. 

These are great in marinara served with spaghetti.  Also, very good in any other meatball sauce or tossed in buffalo sauce. These are always a huge hit!

Dear Hafsa,

For the last two years, I haven’t been able to fast during Ramadan due to medical issues. This year I will not be able to. It’s a little depressing for several reasons. I am not looking forward to Ramadan because I feel disconnected since I can’t fast. I know that we aren’t supposed to fast when there’s a medical issue and I know it’s a mercy from Allah to be excused but it makes Ramadan different. Do you have advice on how I could feel more connected to Ramadan?

Thanks,

Reconnect to Ramadan

Our columnist prefers to stay anonymous so we will call her Hafsa. Send your questions to [email protected]

Subject line: Dear Hafsa

Your name and email will be kept confidential, and your question will always read from an anonymous title.

Dear Reconnect to Ramadan,

I know exactly how you feel. I myself am not able to fast for Ramadan. In sha’ Allah, maybe we will both be able to fast again someday. I know the feeling of exclusion when you’re not fasting and everyone else is. I miss the feeling of enjoying that first drink of water and dates after a long day of fasting and the meal that follows that feels like it is the most delicious meal you’ve ever eaten. I miss the feeling of empathy that you get while fasting thinking of how others live with no food or water and the remembrance of Allah we get through fasting. I truly do understand. I have a few tips to help with those feelings of disappointment and lack of connection to Ramadan.

IMCA/Masjid Al Fajr

2846 Cold Spring Rd

Indianapolis, IN 46222

Alhuda Foundation

12201 Lantern Rd.

Fishers, IN 46038

Masjid Al Mumineen

4088 Millersville Rd

Indianapolis, IN 46205