It’s the afternoon of Sunday, January 18th. At a time when most people are relaxing, there is a buzz of activity coming from BHA, signaling the Ramadan Souq has started. Hundreds of BHA families are seen wandering around campus. Some are walking outside, trying the various food vendors, while others are inside the gym, visiting the stalls. Volunteers rush here and there, while children run about, torn between the huge bouncy house near the playground and the face painting/balloon stand.
The school was decorated with lights, lanterns, & Ramadan themed decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. Different booths were set up around the gym. Some stalls sold pastries and snacks, and others offered abayas, thobes, hijabs, and many handmade items. The stalls in the gym allowed older members of our community to enjoy.
Outside, there were many food trucks where they sold brisket, tacos, loaded fries, and shawarma. For the children, there was a painting workshop where children learned how to paint, and there was a bounce house for the kids to enjoy. In front of the bouncy house, there was a stall for face painting and balloon making. This allowed the children to also have fun at the souq.
In addition to the food, shopping, and activities, the Ramadan Souq helped give a sense of belonging within the BHA community. Families were seen greeting one another, catching up with friends, and meeting new people, all while enjoying the lively environment. Many small businesses and vendors benefited from the support of the community, making the souq meaningful not only socially, but economically as well. The sounds of laughter, conversation, and excitement filled the campus, creating memories that will last long after the day ended. Events like the Ramadan Souq remind everyone of the importance of generosity and unity, especially as the blessed month of Ramadan approaches.
Many people enjoyed the souq. From parents to teachers to students and to little siblings, the Ramadan souq was an event for everyone to enjoy. A 9th grader, Tala Abousherif, said, “There were a lot of stands. Everything felt so put together. It was really enjoyable, and there were so many things to buy and so many things to look at, so I really felt like the ummah here was strong, and I was having a lot of fun.” The former tarbiyah director of BHA, Dr. Adnan Omran, said: “It’s certainly an opportunity to show unity of the community from different backgrounds and different cultures, just and especially for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, it is a milestone in our lives as Muslims. And I can tell you that people are so happy, and you can tell that it was a very successful event.”
Overall, the Ramadan Souq at BHA was a lively and memorable event that brought the school community together. From the busy food trucks and lively stalls to the joyful children enjoying activities. It was a wonderful afternoon that allowed families to connect, support one another, and celebrate in a fun and meaningful way. It’s all thanks to the PTO, staff, and volunteers who help make the Ramadan souq an amazing experience for parents and children.
