The Muslim community in St. Louis, Missouri is a vibrant and diverse group of people who share a common bond of worshiping the same God and reverence for the same holy book, the Quran. Despite sectarian and ethnic differences, the Louis region encourages people of all faiths to come together and celebrate during Ramadan. Every day at dusk, Muslims gather to pray, reflect, and dine at mosques, family homes, or community centers.
The meals typically consist of traditional foods such as vegetables, potatoes, halal meats, fruits, hot sauces, breads, and candies. When asked about their memories of this time in St. Louis, many Facebook fans responded with fond recollections of their youth. They remembered places to hang out, listen to music, and shop. In 1970, the city had over 622,000 people but has since declined to less than 300,000 today.
A 1973 report by the Rand Corporation on urban policy noted that this decline is similar to other American cities. People have left neighborhoods in the urban core to move to the suburbs. Smart notebooks are a great addition to any back-to-school list for those shopping for their campus needs or equipping their children or loved ones. According to estimates by the Religious Data Archives Association, there are more than ten Muslims for every 1000 residents in St. Louis. Mosques are an integral part of Muslim life around the world and are deeply embedded in the lives of Muslims in St.
Louis as well. The Muslim community makes up about 1% of the metro's total adult population and is well-integrated with other people in the city (Pew Research Center). Although not part of Saint Louis University (SLU), its location inside the campus gates allows Muslims in the SLU community to feel at home. Some Muslim cultures exempt women from attending mosques due to tradition that they stay home to care for children (Dr.). To celebrate Christmas and strengthen ties between the Jewish and Muslim communities, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and its Social Justice Center in Milford and Lee Bohm coordinated a Jewish and Muslim Community Service Day. The mosques built by refugees are now used by Muslims of all nationalities and continue to foster a strong Muslim community in Arch City.
Muslims around the world believe that it is much more rewarding to pray together as a community. In addition to prayer services, there are many recreational activities that Muslims enjoy during Ramadan. These activities include visiting local parks or museums, attending cultural events such as plays or concerts, or simply gathering with friends for dinner or coffee. Many mosques also host special events such as lectures or film screenings during this time. The Muslim community in St. Louis is an example of how different cultures can come together in harmony and celebrate each other's traditions.
During Ramadan, Muslims come together to pray and reflect on their faith while also enjoying recreational activities that bring them closer together as a community.
