I have traveled to dozens of cities around the world, stood in front of iconic landmarks, and witnessed moments that took my breath away — but nothing, absolutely nothing, could have prepared me for what I witnessed on the evening of February 20, 2026, in the middle of Times Square.

Hundreds of Muslims from every race, nationality, and background stood shoulder to shoulder under the electric glow of Manhattan’s most famous intersection to break their fast and offer Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan in New York. It was one of the most powerful and moving scenes I have ever had the privilege of capturing on camera — and I was right there in the middle of it all.

During a Ramadan iftar and Taraweeh prayer event held in Times Square, New York City, on February 20, 2026, two Americans converted to Islam. The pair publicly recited the Shahada — the Islamic declaration of faith — at the fifth annual gathering, which drew hundreds of attendees.

What Is Taraweeh in Times Square?

For those who may not know, Taraweeh refers to the special nightly prayers performed by Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. These are voluntary prayers offered after the obligatory Isha (night) prayer, and they hold deep spiritual significance for Muslims around the world.

The Taraweeh in Times Square event is not a new phenomenon — it is an annual tradition that first began in 2022, organized by Way of Life SQ in partnership with Droplets of Mercy. What started as a bold and symbolic act of public faith has grown into one of the most talked-about Ramadan events in the United States.

Every year, the organizers secure city permits, coordinate with the NYPD, and set up right at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue — arguably the most recognized street corner on the planet. The message is simple but powerful: Muslims are part of the fabric of New York City, and they deserve to celebrate their faith openly and proudly.

The Evening of February 20, 2026 — A First-Hand Account

It had been raining all day. The streets of Manhattan were wet, the skies were dark and grey, and the usual February chill clung to the air. But as I made my way to Times Square that evening, I could already sense something different in the atmosphere. People were moving with purpose, greeting each other with warm smiles, and gathering in growing numbers around a space that had been set up for the event.

By the time the sun began to set, hundreds of Muslims had gathered — men, women, and children from across New York City and beyond. What struck me immediately was the sheer diversity of the crowd. People had come from different countries, different cultures, and different walks of life, yet they were all standing together with one shared intention.

As the Asar (afternoon) prayer was called, rows began to form. Then came Maghrib (sunset prayer), marking the moment of iftar — the breaking of the fast. This year, iftar was generously provided by Darbar, in the form of their famous halal chicken over rice. Watching hundreds of people sit together in the heart of Times Square, sharing a meal under the neon lights, surrounded by honking cabs and curious tourists — it was surreal in the most beautiful way.

After Maghrib came Isha, and then the night’s highlight: Taraweeh prayers, offered in congregation right there in Times Square. Rows upon rows of worshippers, in perfect synchrony, bowing and prostrating in a moment of collective devotion that stopped passersby in their tracks.

“Being in Times Square Is a Blessing”

SQ, the Bronx-based organizer and Muslim American content creator behind WayofLifeSQ, captured the spirit of the evening perfectly:

“Being in the middle of Times Square is a blessing. To have permits from the city of New York and to have the NYPD supporting us and everyone else is just a huge blessing. We’re very grateful to be here to spread the message of Prophet Muhammad and educate people, because that’s all we do.”

That spirit of gratitude and education was visible throughout the entire event. Volunteers handed out 1,200 copies of the Quran — available in multiple languages — alongside approximately 2,000 free food boxes to participants and anyone in the area who needed a meal. No conditions. No requirements. Just generosity.

When Hate Tried to Interrupt — And Peace Won

I would not be telling the full story if I did not mention the uglier side of the evening. Throughout the event, a small group of individuals made deliberate attempts to provoke the Muslim community. Using deeply offensive language targeting Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Muslims, and Palestinians, these individuals — described widely as anti-Muslim trolls — used every tactic they could think of to incite a reaction.

It was clear what they wanted. They wanted someone to respond with anger. They wanted a confrontation — something that would give authorities a reason to shut the event down.

But it never happened.

The Muslim community, to the enormous credit of every single person present, remained calm, dignified, and focused. They continued to pray. They continued to smile. They continued to distribute food. And they continued to deliver their message of peace and unity to the world.

I was live-streaming the event on my YouTube channel throughout the night, and I can tell you firsthand — the contrast between the aggression of the provocateurs and the composure of the worshippers was striking. The media had turned out in full force, from independent vloggers to major international news channels, and the whole world was watching. What they saw was a community choosing grace over anger, and that message resonated globally.

The event received international media coverage, trending on social media platforms and sparking conversations about Islamophobia, religious freedom, and the meaning of American identity. On X (formerly Twitter), users praised the event’s spirit of inclusivity:

“The Muslim community was out distributing iftar boxes — chicken and rice — to anyone and everyone passing by. NYC really is a melting pot.”

Another user pushed back against the controversy surrounding the event, writing:

“God forbid they organize a Times Square event once a year to feed people iftar and educate about Islam and Ramadan. Let’s cool the hysteria and realize that every organized group holds public events.”

Why This Event Matters — Islam in New York City

New York City is home to approximately 1 million Muslims, representing nearly one in every eight residents. That makes it the largest municipal Muslim population in the entire United States. Islam in NYC is not a fringe presence — it is deeply woven into the city’s neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and culture.

This year’s event also took on additional significance in the context of New York City’s political landscape. The event was held under the mayoralty of Zohran Mamdani, who made history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor. While similar Ramadan gatherings had taken place under previous administrations — including that of former mayor Eric Adams — and in public spaces like Washington Square Park, the cultural moment felt particularly resonant in 2026.

The evening also drew attention to a deeply human issue: the ongoing separation of immigrant families due to detention and deportation. With NYC home to an estimated 3.1 million immigrants, the organizer addressed this directly and movingly:

“They are in our prayers. This is as much their country as anyone else’s. Serving our community and being a good neighbor is what makes you American. It’s not just about being born over here — it’s about what you give back to society.”

Ramadan in New York: A City Unlike Any Other

Experiencing Ramadan in New York City is genuinely unlike anywhere else in the world. From the halal food carts that stretch down 53rd Street, to the mosques that fill beyond capacity for Fajr prayers, to community iftars hosted across Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx — this city embraces the month of Ramadan in a way that is deeply American and deeply multicultural all at once.

The Taraweeh in Times Square event is the most visible symbol of that embrace. It says to the world: Muslims belong here. Muslims have always belonged here. And during Ramadan in New York, the whole city — willingly or not — gets a front-row seat to that truth.

Final Thoughts — Why You Should Witness This Yourself

If you ever find yourself in New York City during the month of Ramadan, do yourself a favor: make your way to Times Square for the Taraweeh in Times Square event. You do not need to be Muslim to be moved by it. You just need to be human.

I walked away that rainy February night feeling something I rarely feel in my years of travel — a deep, quiet sense of hope. Amid the noise and the neon, hundreds of people had gathered not to consume or to perform, but simply to worship, to give, and to be together.

That is something worth traveling for. That is something worth writing about. And that is something the world needs to see more of.

Watch the complete vlog I made in 4K of this beautiful Ramadan Event

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