Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, begins next week, bringing with it a time of fasting, prayer, and community. Memphis, with its big and growing Muslim population, offers plenty of ways to observe the holy month, whether you’re looking for a mosque to pray, a place to break your fast, or a spot to grab some delicious halal food.
Here’s your guide to experiencing Ramadan in the 901!
Community Iftars and Events
One of the best parts of Ramadan is the sense of community it fosters. Many mosques and organizations host community iftars where everyone is welcome to break their fast together.
- Memphis Islamic Center (MIC) regularly hosts community iftars where families and individuals can come together for a meal and prayer.
- University of Memphis Muslim Student Association (MSA) often organizes campus iftars for students, offering a space for young Muslims to connect and share in the Ramadan spirit.
- 18th Annual Interfaith Dinner at MIC – Join a night of community, reflection, and shared meals with friends from different faith backgrounds.
- Local Interfaith Iftars – Many faith-based organizations in Memphis host interfaith iftars, bringing together people of different backgrounds to share a meal and learn from one another.
How to Support Your Muslim Neighbors During Ramadan
Even if you’re not fasting, there are ways to show support and solidarity with your Muslim friends, colleagues, and neighbors:
- Be mindful that those who are fasting don’t eat or drink from dawn until sunset, so if your co-worker skips lunch, don’t be surprised!
- Wish your Muslim friends a “Ramadan Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan) or “Ramadan Kareem” (Generous Ramadan).
- Join an iftar if invited. It’s a great way to experience the culture and community spirit of Ramadan.
- Support local halal restaurants and businesses during the month.
Where to Pray: Mosques in Memphis
Memphis is home to several mosques that welcome the community for daily prayers, special Ramadan Taraweeh prayers, and iftar gatherings.
- Memphis Islamic Center (MIC) – Located in the Cordova area, MIC is a hub for the Muslim community with nightly iftars, spiritual talks, and community events throughout the month.
- Midtown Mosque – Midtown Mosque is the only mosque located minutes away from downtown Memphis.
- Masjid Al-Mu’minun – A long-standing mosque in the city that offers a welcoming space for prayers and community engagement.
- Islamic Association of Greater Memphis (IAGM) – Situated in the southeast part of the city, IAGM provides a spiritual home for many families in the area.
- Masjid Ar-Rahman – Known for its diverse congregation and strong community ties.
901 Ummah has curated this list of even more mosques in Memphis.
Where to Break Your Fast: Halal Restaurants in Memphis
After a day of fasting, there’s nothing like a hearty meal to break your fast. Memphis has a variety of halal restaurants that serve delicious, culturally diverse dishes perfect for iftar.
- Chakka Aur Chaat Food Truck – Delicious Desi/Indo-Pak food
📍 Find them at: 4491 Poplar Ave, Memphis
⏰ Open daily: 11 AM – 5 AM starting Feb 16th - Cedars – A popular spot serving delicious Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes
📍 Find them at: 694 N Germantown Pkwy, Cordova
⏰ Open Sat-Thurs: 9 AM – 9 PM, Fri: 9 AM – 9:30 PM - Zam Zamz – Known for its flavorful kebabs and housemade pita
📍 Find them at: 7706 Winchester Rd, Memphis
⏰ Open Sun-Thurs: 11 AM – 8 PM, Fri: 11 AM – 12:30 PM & 2 – 9 PM, Sat: 11 AM – 9 PM - Mediterranean Bakery and More (Southaven) – A hidden gem offering fresh-baked bread, halal meats, and traditional Mediterranean dishes
📍 Find them at: 6717 Airways Blvd Ste.101, Southaven
⏰ Open daily: 9 AM – 9 PM - Casablanca – One of the most popular Mediterranean spots in the city. Known for their Falafel “Big Mac” of the Middle East
📍 Find them at: 1707 Madison Ave #3, Memphis (Midtown) & 5030 Poplar Ave #7, Memphis (East Memphis)
⏰ Open daily: 11 AM – 9 PM (Midtown location closed Mondays) - Queen of Sheba – Serving authentic Yemeni cuisine with plenty of halal options
📍 Find them at: 4792 Summer Ave, Memphis (East Memphis) & 1250 N Germantown Pkwy Suite 101, Cordova
⏰ Open Mon-Thurs: 10 AM – 9 PM, Fri-Sun 10 AM – 10 PM - Flames Mediterranean & Grill – A great choice for grilled meats, shawarma, and fresh salads
📍 Find them at: 546 S Highland St, Memphis
⏰ Open Mon-Wed: 11 AM – 11 PM, Thurs-Sat 11 AM – 12AM, Sun 12 – 10 PM - Ali Baba – Specializing in fresh, flavorful halal dishes
📍 Find them at: 5800 Raleigh Lagrange Rd, Memphis
⏰ Open Tues-Thurs, Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM – 10 PM
901 Ummah has curated this list of even more halal spots in Memphis.
Where to Get Halal Food for Home Cooking
If you prefer to cook at home, Memphis has several stores that offer fresh halal meats and ingredients perfect for preparing your iftar and suhoor meals.
- Restaurant Depot – Offers a variety of bulk halal meats and ingredients.
- Mediterranean Grocery on Park – A great spot to find Middle Eastern and Mediterranean essentials, including halal meats and specialty items.
- Halal Market Stone House Market – A reliable source for fresh halal meats and groceries.
- Barakat’s Middle Eastern Market – Specializing in Middle Eastern ingredients and halal products.
- Zak Groceries – A local spot for halal meats, spices, and essentials.
- Alrahmah Bakery & Meat Market – Offering fresh halal meats and baked goods.
- Jerusalem Market & Restaurant – A great place for both dining and shopping for halal ingredients.
- Ramadan Is A Month of Reflection and Giving
Not only on Ramadan do Muslims fast, but they also prioritize giving back. Many mosques and organizations in Memphis focus on charitable efforts, from food drives to fundraising for local causes. If you’re looking for ways to contribute, consider donating to local charities that support food security and community outreach programs.
Wishing everyone observing a peaceful and fulfilling Ramadan!
Ramadan Mubarak!
