As Ramadan Ends, Muslims Celebrate a Legacy of Service in Chicago
May 2, 2022
The Inner-City Muslim Action Network opened its doors 25 years ago to serve its Chicago neighborhood, fight poverty, inspire Muslims to engage in community outreach, and more.
Over the years, its staff and volunteers have organized a growing menu of services focused on community health and wellness, including arts events; a health clinic; a food pantry; and a “Green Reentry” program to support, educate and train formerly incarcerated people.
IMAN also runs programs in Atlanta and has become a model for nonprofits rooted in Muslim faith and values. Its founder, Rami Nashashibi, was honored as a MacArthur Fellow in 2017.
In March, IMAN opened the Go Green Community Fresh Market to bring healthy produce – and jobs – to Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. IMAN marked the closing days of Ramadan and its 25th anniversary last week with a community iftar, the evening meal that ends the daily Ramadan fast.
Women sitting in prayer during the IMAM event on the final evening of Ramadan. Photo courtesy of IMAN.
Group kneeling in prayer. Photo courtesy of IMAN.
Women standing during Maghrib prayers. Photo courtesy of IMAN.
Group bowing during prayers. Photo courtesy of IMAN.
