At mosques over the weekend, Muslims marked the beginning of the holy Islamic month of Ramadan. It’s a time to fast from sunup to sundown, read and study the Quran, practice charitable deeds, gather together to break the daily fast, and reflect on the importance of a spiritual relationship with God.

From social dinners and events to local school efforts for students who are fasting, Southern California Muslims are finding ways to observe Ramadan, which this year began late Friday, and come together in prayer.

Many community members said it is their way of upholding religious customs and celebrating diversity amid political turmoil, citing recent efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to move away from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and the fragile ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

Ramadan, which falls on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, starts at a different date and time each year. Once there is a sighting of the new moon, the Ramadan period officially begins, Muslim community members said.

Fasting daily during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The practice includes abstaining from all food and drink, including water, as a way to attain piety and submission to God. Gathering for prayer and breaking the fast, often a social affair, are also important aspects of the holiday.

At a mosque in La Mirada, worshippers gathered on Saturday evening to pray and break their first fast of the Ramadan season, by way of a communal meal throughout the holiday called iftar.

Mohammed R. Rahman, a leader at the La Mirada Masjid, said Ramadan is about ridding oneself of excess and bad habits while “embracing good values,” like charity and dedication to the faith.

Despite sentiments against diversity, equity and inclusion in the White House, Rahman said he didn’t think the holy month would be affected by current politics — unless immigration officials were to raid mosques.

“So far, we are not seeing anything that will be some kind of problem,” Rahman said.

He noted that gathering together during Ramadan can be a challenge for those who work, since people don’t usually get paid time off for the holiday. But weekend gatherings usually draw in a large crowd at his mosque.

“It’s actually said by our prophets that breaking fast together has more reward than doing it individually,” Rahman said.

His mosque has been a part of several interfaith Open Mosque Days in the region, opening its doors to visitors from other faiths to strengthen community ties and promote an understanding of Islam.

Zabihullah Khan, a member and youth group coordinator at the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley, said assembly is so important, especially in divisive times. Although there is “a lot going on politically right now, in many ways for Muslims,” Khan said, “it’s business as usual.”

“In the month of Ramadan, regardless of wars, hate or peace, it doesn’t matter. We still observe the traditions,” Khan said.

Los Angeles resident Ani Zonneveld, who serves as president of the local chapter of Muslims for Progressive Values, an organization that has promoted inclusive Muslim communities for decades, agreed the Muslim community is “very strong” and persevering.

“With Ramadan, people usually make that extra effort to come out and break their meals with others,” Zonneveld said. “There are a lot of people dispirited because of what’s going on with Trump’s policies, so I think that’s created extra desire for the community.”

Others said that no matter who is America’s president, many Muslims are unhappy with the way their religion and people are seen and portrayed in the mainstream.

One of them was Sadaf Qadir, who lives in Stanton.

“With the last presidency, and even Trump’s last presidency, Muslim people are pretty disappointed with the way that our government has a lack of support and consideration for the Muslim population in this country,” Qadir said.

Qadir noted that Ramadan has felt “different” this year and last because of the impact of many Muslims losing family members in the Gaza Strip during the Israel-Hamas war. An Israeli military offensive killed over 45,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and destroyed areas of Gaza. The 15-month war was sparked by an Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel in which Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people and took hundreds hostage.

This year’s holiday began as many Palestinians returned to destroyed homes in Gaza City amid the ceasefire deal, which paused the war.

“There’s a completely different political climate even just compared to last year,” Qadir said. “I think more people are showing up in our community as a result, donating more, but also hosting and attending more events.”

Days before Ramadan started, the greater Los Angeles area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations hosted its annual Muslim Community Action Network event in Laguna Hills, where panelists Linda Sarsour, Shaun King and Hussam Ayloush discussed how community solidarity is the “key to American Muslim power,” regardless of who holds office.

“Under the Trump administration, our community’s power remains rooted in our faith and collective action,” Ayloush, executive director of the council’s L.A. area office, said in a statement. “While his policies pose significant threats to our community’s rights, safety and well-being, we cannot despair or lose hope.”

The L.A. office receives dozens of complaints every week from local Muslims facing religious and racial discrimination, Ayloush said.

The organization has shared know-your-rights resources with the community, especially students and those who work, about observing Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, a three-day holiday marking the end of Ramadan. Two California laws the group sponsored as bills, Assembly Bill 2377 and Assembly Bill 1503, protect the rights of fasting students by allowing them to be excused from physical activity with written consent and allowing a day off to observe the religious holiday without any penalty.

“Ramadan is a time for spiritual renewal and community building, and this becomes even more crucial when our community is faced with adversity and injustice,” Ayloush said. “I believe this year, Ramadan will also serve as a powerful reminder to Muslims of our shared responsibility to our brothers and sisters facing hardship and help us renew our commitment to justice.”

While many organizers and residents said the Ramadan celebrations would mostly be the same this year, some shared that safety is “always something to worry about” during the holy month.

Before the last Trump presidency, Zonneveld of Muslims for Progressive Values said their group received emailed threats every day leading up to his inauguration, and even one message where someone threatened the group with a gun.

As a result, this year’s Ramadan programming is being done with security in mind, especially since many of the iftars will be held privately.

“We have to be cautious because of the radicalism within our American climate right now,” Zonneveld said. “There will be extra screening.”

Qadir of the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley agreed that during Ramadan it’s important to break bread as a community while ensuring a sense of safety. She looks forward to the holy month each year.

“It’s just nice to be around other Muslim people, in a space where you feel safe to be yourself,” Qadir said. “Outside of that space, I’m always more mindful of how I’m appearing and showing up.”

Celebrate Ramadan in Southern California

Here are some ways to observe the holy Islamic month and connect with community:

Today, the Pakistan American Chamber of Commerce will host an interfaith grand iftar dinner at the Meridian Qube, 1535 Deerpark Drive, Fullerton. Registration: register.laiftar.org.

On March 16 the Islamic Society of Orange County will present a Ramadan Banquet, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Anaheim Marriott hotel, 700 W. Convention Way. The evening will celebrate resilience and good deeds. Tickets/information: msjd.co/isocbanquet.

The Los Angeles chapter of Muslims for Progressive Values will host iftar dinners on Saturdays and Sundays during Ramadan, along with virtual Quran group calls. An RSVP is required for locations. A joint interfaith Shabbat iftar is also planned. Information: www.meetup.com/mpv-la/.

Vortex Sports will host Ramadan sports nights three Fridays and Saturdays in March, with the final night starting March 21. They will take place from 10:30 p.m. Fridays to 1:30 a.m. Saturdays at the Great Park in Irvine. Tickets are $20 for participants, and spectators are free. Come play men’s and women’s soccer, pickleball, basketball, football, tennis and volleyball. Registration: www.vortexsports.io/ramadan-sport-nights-registration.

Qiyam nights will take place at the Islamic Center of Orange County, 1 Al-Rahman Plaza in Garden Grove, on three Saturdays in March, concluding March 22.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations’ greater Los Angeles area chapter will be at various mosques and Ramadan events to provide resources and greet community members in Orange County, L.A. County and the Inland Empire. Info: @cairgla on Instagram.

The Islamic Center of Riverside is hosting community-sponsored iftars on weekends in March at 1038 W. Linden St., Riverside. Info: www.islamiccenterofriverside.net.

The Islamic Shura Council of Southern California is hosting various Ramadan events all month long. Info: shuracouncil.org/events.

Staff writer Allyson Vergara and The Associated Press contributed to this report.