Muslims around the world — and here in Louisville — are marking the start of Ramadan this week.
Throughout the month, many Muslims fast during daylight hours, offer additional prayers, give donations, volunteer and connect with the community.
It culminates with Eid al-Fitr, a celebration commemorating the end of Ramadan.
Rachid Hamlouchi is the vice president at Al-Nur Masjid on South Fourth Street. He said Ramadan is a time when Muslims boost their faith.
“You get closer to your Creator and you sacrifice your food during the whole day and your drink. And at the end of the day, when you break that fast, that's happiness, you feel that you have achieved something,” Hamlouchi said.
Hamlouchi said the mosque’s location near the University of Louisville campus has made it important community spaces for young, immigrant and low-income Muslims.
And that becomes even more important during Ramadan when the house of worship provides daily iftar, the evening fast-breaking meal.
“When you help them with a meal at the end of the day instead of [them] spending money on it, it's something they will really appreciate,” Hamlouchi said.
Al-Nur Masjid will be open all month for iftar meals and Taraweeh, the optional night prayer.
During the last ten days of Ramadan, the mosque will remain open all day and night for those who want to dedicate more time to worship.
“You break your fast here, during the day you read the Quran, or you’re praying or you’re doing a remembrance of Allah in a way or another,” Hamlouchi explained.
Al-Nur Masjid is one of several local mosques that hosts meals, Taraweeh prayers or Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Use the filters in the map below to find places in Louisville offering communal meals and prayers this Ramadan, as well as where to take part in Eid events. Click on the markers in the map for more information about each location.
List of locations and offerings
- Al-Nur Masjid (2815 S. Fourth St.)
- Taraweeh
- Free iftar every night of Ramadan.
- People can stay in the masjid for last week of Ramadan for constant prayer and study.
- Al-Zahrah Islamic Center (4010 Bishop Lane)
- Free iftar every night of Ramadan, but space is limited.
- Bosniak American Islamic Center of Louisville (5927 Six Mile Lane)
- Taraweeh
- Free iftar every Saturday, as well as April 7 and 8
- Guiding Light Islamic Center (6500 Six Mile Lane)
- Taraweeh
- Free iftar every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
- Qiyam prayers during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
- Eid prayer on April 9 or 10. Takbeerat starts at 7:30. Prayer starts at 7:45 a.m.
- HIRA Institute (3819 Bardstown Rd.)
- Taraweeh
- Suhoor and iftar provided for participants in the study program for the last 10 nights.
- Islamic Center of Louisville (1715 S. Fourth St.)
- Taraweeh
- Free iftar every Monday and Thursday, as well as each of the last 10 nights of Ramadan. Open to anyone.
- Louisville Islamic Center of Compassion (4007 River Rd.)
- Taraweeh
- Eid brunch on April 9 or 10, beginning after Eid prayer at approximately 10 a.m.
- Masjid Bilal South (6200 S. Third St.)
- Taraweeh
- Free iftar every night of Ramadan
- Masjid Bilal West (1701 Dumesnil St.)
- Taraweeh
- Free iftar every night of Ramadan
- The Louisville Mosque, the Islamic Cultural Association of Louisville (1911 Buechel Bank Rd.)
- The Muslim Community Center of Louisville (8215 Old Westport Rd.)
- Taraweeh
- Free iftar every Saturday with registration. $15 at the door.
- City-wide Eid prayer at the Kentucky Expo Center (937 Phillips Ln.)
- April 9 or 10. Takbeerat starts at 8 a.m. Prayer starts at 9 a.m.
What did we miss? Contact editor Amina Elahi with information about Ramadan resources we should add to this guide.
This story has been updated.
