Muslims

Muslims around the world are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan. Three members of Kansas City's diverse Muslim community talk about the ritual of daily fasting, teaching the traditions to their children and the experience of community — all part of Ramadan.

As Israel and Hamas enter into a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, members of Kansas City's Jewish and Palestinian communities reflect on what a chance for peace means after more than a year of bloodshed.

Fatima Hodzic opened Burek and Cake just over two years ago. Since then, the tiny Bosnian bakery in the Northland has become a destination to gather over cakes, coffee, and bureks, a traditional Bosnian snack made with pastry dough and savory fillings.

The Kansas City chapter of the Dialogue Institute gifts more than 400 boxes of home-made baklava, touching around 1,000 people across the metro. Members say the gifts are a gesture of gratitude for the many ways they’ve been welcomed by other communities in Kansas City.

During Ramadan, halal markets in Kansas City are critical to the Islamic community’s month-long celebration and traditions. Learn how some help make Ramadan in the metro feel like home. Also, for nearly a decade, Blip Coffee Roasters has offered Kansas City bikers a place to hang out and admire motorcycles. Meet the cast of regulars at a West Bottoms coffee shop.

Muslims worldwide celebrate Ramadan every year by fasting from sunup to sundown, and then breaking bread with friends and family at the end of each day. Halal markets help feed believers by providing hard-to-get supplies from around the globe and offering discount prices to those who need them during the monthlong celebration.

Ramdan, which began March 10, is a sacred time for followers of Islam. But with the war in the Gaza Strip nearing its sixth month with no ceasefire in sight, some Kansas City Muslims say the holy month is different this year.

Ramadan, which began March 10, is a sacred and joyous time for followers of Islam. However, with the war in Gaza nearing its sixth month — and with no ceasefire in sight — some Kansas City Muslims say the holy month is different this year.

Since the war between Hamas and Israel began over two weeks ago, members of Kansas City's Islamic and Palestinian communities say they have experienced hate at an increased rate. Many say that they are concerned for their safety.

For many Kansas City Muslims, Ramadan represents a time to reflect on the things they are thankful for through prayer and fasting. It also brings communal fast-breaking banquets and prayer sessions. Community members are able to reconnect and reinforce one another’s faith, especially where many around them do not share it.

Ameerah Sanders is returning to Kansas City’s standup scene after going through a breakup, political disillusionment and a solo cross-country odyssey. The experience taught her how much more she has to offer — not to others, but to herself.

In the absence of public events throughout the month of Ramadan, some Muslims in Kansas City have found it easier to focus on their faith and family.