Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Minnesota News
MPR News Staff

Photos: Deaf community celebrates Ramadan with iftar meal

A person holds of their hands in a signing motion.
Intidar Aljabery signs to a fellow attendee at the Deaf Iftar Celebration at the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul on Saturday. Iftar is the traditional evening fast-breaking meal observed by Muslims during the month of Ramadan.
Ben Brewer for MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

At a celebration during the holy month of Ramadan, community members gathered Saturday for the Deaf Iftar Celebration.

The iftar — or meal to break the fast for the day — offered community members a chance to learn about culturally and linguistically appropriate services, all while enjoying good food and company.

The event was hosted by the Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community and held at the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul.

Photographer Ben Brewer joined the celebration to document the community gathering for MPR News.

A woman smiles during a conversation.
Community members converse during the Deaf Iftar Celebration at the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Iftar is the traditional evening fast-breaking meal observed by Muslims during the month of Ramadan.
Ben Brewer for MPR News
The silhouette of two people communicating.
Patrick Tricio, left, a baker who is deafblind signs with an interpreter before the Deaf Iftar Celebration, hosted by the Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community at the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul on Saturday. Iftar is the traditional evening fast-breaking meal observed by Muslims during the month of Ramadan.
Ben Brewer for MPR News
Two people sign to communicate.
Community members converse in ASL before the Deaf Iftar Celebration, hosted by the Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community at the Wilder Foundation.
Ben Brewer for MPR News
People gather for a community event.
Community members converse before the Deaf Iftar Celebration at the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul on Saturday. Iftar is the traditional evening fast-breaking meal observed by Muslims during the month of Ramadan.
Ben Brewer for MPR News
MPR_DeafIftarCelebration
The Deaf Iftar Celebration at the Wilder Foundation.
Ben Brewer for MPR News
An interpreter signs while a person stands for a speech.
An interpreter signs the presentation on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) by Valerie Shirley.
Ben Brewer for MPR News
A person stands and delivers a sign while giving a speech.
Omar Ibrahim delivers a keynote on the tenets of Islam during the Deaf Iftar Celebration.
Ben Brewer for MPR News
A person sits and listens.
Nausheena Hussain looks on during the Deaf Iftar Celebration.
Ben Brewer for MPR News
A view of five people kneeling in prayer.
Community members pray the evening prayer, Tarawih, during the Deaf Iftar Celebration on Saturday.
Ben Brewer for MPR News
A person sits at a table with papers as people arrive.
Valerie Shirley, executive director of the Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community, checks in attendees for the Deaf Iftar Celebration.
Ben Brewer for MPR News
Table decorations that say "Eid Mrbarak" sit on "Table 2."
Table decorations and dates at the Deaf Iftar Celebration at the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul.
Ben Brewer for MPR News
People sign to communicate at the beginning of an event.
Community members arrive for the Deaf Iftar Celebration at the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul.
Ben Brewer for MPR News
Two people embrace while looking towards a stage.
Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community Executive Director Valerie Shirley, right, embraces an attendee before the Deaf Iftar Celebration at the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul.
Ben Brewer for MPR News
Two people embrace in a hug.
Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community Executive Director Valerie Shirley embraces an attendee at the Deaf Iftar Celebration at the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul.
Ben Brewer for MPR News
People receive food from a cafeteria setting.
Volunteers from the Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community share food during the Deaf Iftar Celebration.
Ben Brewer for MPR News
MPR_DeafIftarCelebration
Community members break their fast with water during the Deaf Iftar Celebration at the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul on Saturday.
Ben Brewer for MPR News