Michigan Ramadan Market will feature more than 20 Muslim vendors

The Michigan Ramadan Market will take place 12-8 p.m. Saturday, March 19 at Emerald Banquet at 6519 N. Wayne Road in Westland. The market will feature a lineup of all Muslim business owners selling decorations, food, henna and more to honor the holy month of Ramadan.

The event is the vision of Fatima Siddiqui, the owner of Flowing Script, an Arabic and English calligraphy business. Siddiqui says she’s seen holiday markets for Christmas and Easter but she had never seen one for Ramadan in the area. So, she decided to put one together herself.

“It’s to try to promote all of these Muslim businesses in Michigan in a festive way that welcomes the month of Ramadan,” says Siddiqui. “It’s saying to Muslims ‘We are here. We created all of these Ramadan decorations for you.’”

The market will feature wares from more than 20 vendors including ZainabStudio’s Ramadan-themed greeting cards and framed geometric art; Salam Wood Works’ handcrafted, Islamic-inspired wood and resin art décor; and Fly & Fabulous Boutique’s Islamic clothing for women. Siddiqui says there will be activities to keep children entertained and free drinks from Qahwah House, a Dearborn-based Yemeni coffee shop, from 2 to 5 p.m.

As Islamic decorations become more prevalent at events like the Michigan Ramadan Market or even at stores like Target where they have popped up in recent years, Siddiqui says “we feel more seen as Muslims and we feel like Ramadan is becoming common knowledge.”

Ramadan this year will run from April 2 to May 2 in the United States. During this time many Muslims give to charity, pray, and don’t eat or drink between sunrise and sunset as an expression of their faith. Observers eat a predawn meal known as suhoor and break their fast in the evening with a meal after sunset known as an iftar. The conclusion of Ramadan is marked with a celebration and feast known as Eid al-Fitr.