In our series Muslims Who Fast, we’ve spoken to all kinds of followers of the Islamic faith.
Today we talk to Rotimi Lademo, a Muslim convert from Boston, Massachusetts.
The technical recruiter has been practising Islam for many years and is now on his tenth Ramadan.
Rotimi is often referred to as a ‘revert’ because Muslims believe everyone is born Muslim and are simply returning to their faith.
While Rotimi has spent previous Ramandans alone, he now spends it with his wife Samina.
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The couple enjoy tucking into delicious foods from their respective West African and south Asian heritages.
They also normally celebrate Ramadan with the vibrant Muslim community in Boston but, like millions of Muslims, have had to improvise under quarantine.
Let’s chat to Rotimi and find out what their Ramadan under lockdown looks like.
What are you having for iftar today?
Today we’re having collard greens, chicken curry, rice, couscous, and Brussels sprouts.
What has this Ramadan been like for you?
This is my tenth Ramadan, alhamdulillah (praise be to God), and each fast is different! Sometimes I’m around lots of other Muslim youth, other times, I’ve been all alone, and these days I’m fasting with my wife.
Every day we like to cook dinner together, and when Maghrib prayer comes in, we make dua (prayers) together and then break our fast by sharing a date.
What foods do you miss during Ramadan?
Honestly, as a convert, Ramadan has never really been about the food for me. I think it’s a huge aspect that has the power to bring together families and the community, but since I never had that growing up it’s not a piece I look for fulfillment in.
However, I do miss the late-night masjid (mosque) vibes that come when the community is together and striving to be better for the sake of Allah.
What’s an iftar must-have?
A must have staple is of course, dates and water! Not to mention plenty of snacks like cookies and fruit.
How do past Ramadans compare?
As a convert to Islam, fasting in quarantine has been quite similar to other fasts I’ve experienced. Since I’m not born Muslim or have a large Muslim family, I’m usually alone or just have a few friends around me.
However, we miss having iftar in the masjid (mosque) with the community and are making dua (prayers) for things to get back to normal.
Any particular Ramadan memories you’re fond of?
My best Ramadan memory is cooking iftars and dinners with my mum for sometimes hundreds of folks in our community. It was so gratifying to be able to feed others and bring smiles to their faces.
How is the Muslim community in your area dealing with Ramadan in lockdown?
There are no virtual Taraweeh prayers, but there are virtual khatiras (sermons) to take the place of the Jummah khutbah (sermon). There are also drive through iftars where members of the community can drive to a location to pick up a meal for them and their families.
It’s definitely a tough time because certain parts of the U.S have been hit really hard, but everyone is staying positive and hoping for the best.
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