RALEIGH, N.C. — The Eid celebration marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan is on Monday, May 2. With the Islamic holy month nearing an end, the Muslim community is coming together.

What You Need To Know

  • The Islamic Association of Raleigh gives away meal boxes to people in need during the holy month of fasting

  • Ramadan is also about donating to charity and giving back to the community

  • Muslims in our community and around the world will celebrate Eid on Monday to mark the end of Ramadan

The Islamic Association of Raleigh, which serves as a mosque and gathering place for the Muslim community, is stepping in to make sure every person who is fasting has a happy Ramadan. Volunteers work together in a team, from the chef in the kitchen cooking up a hot meal to those who pack up meal boxes, to give away food to people in need.

Mohamed Elgamal, a volunteer and chairman of the social and welfare committee at the mosque, oversees the meal prep and the meaning behind the delivery operation.

“The month of Ramadan is not only fasting, but also month of giving,” Elgamal said. “And giving in the community, giving people who are really needy and helping the poor.”

The demand for free meals is much higher this year. Muslims from all walks, such as those from low-income households, students and refugees, show up to the drive-through.

“Every year, on average we serve 350 meals. This year is over 540 meals,” Elgamal said. “The reason for the increase is the high demand for the meal. And also we have here in Raleigh area lots of refugees from Afghanistan, from Syria.”

That’s 540 meals a day. All of this is made possible thanks to generous donations from the Muslim community.

“They come and we serve them. I think it will help them to also eat a meal, a hot meal, like all of us we do at home," Elgamal said. “But this help is really much needed for the community.”

Volunteers of all ages give their time and money to make sure every member of the community has a blessed Ramadan.

For refugees who don’t have a vehicle of their own or transportation to get to the mosque, the IAR does home deliveries. Volunteers drop off the food to refugees' homes.