By Qamar Bashir
Our first Eid in Michigan was not just a religious celebration—it was a deeply moving
and eye-opening experience. Having migrated to the United States on September 7, 2024,
this marked our first Ramadan and Eid in a new land, far from the traditions and familiar
environment of our homeland. After observing nearly 30 days of fasting, Eid arrived as a
welcome occasion of joy, community, and spiritual fulfillment.
That morning, our entire family woke early, dressed in festive clothes, and enjoyed a
traditional bowl of kheer, a gesture rooted in our cultural and religious identity. Soon
after, we boarded two cars and made our way to the Islamic Center of Rochester Hills,
located near Detroit, Michigan. This was our first visit, and not knowing what to expect, I
assumed it would be a small mosque or a community hall—perhaps a modest place
temporarily arranged for Eid prayers. But what greeted us upon arrival was beyond
anything I had imagined.
The Islamic Association of Greater Detroit (IAGD), located at Auburn Road, Rochester
Hills, Michigan established in 1978 has grown into a pivotal institution for the local
Muslim community, offering spiritual guidance, educational programs, and social
services. A significant $20 million expansion in March 2024 increased the facility's total
area to approximately 100,000 square feet, making it one of Michigan's largest Islamic
centers. Inside, spacious prayer halls, classrooms, meeting rooms, a library, recreational
spaces, and community event areas support a wide range of activities, including religious
gatherings, educational seminars, interfaith dialogues, and social outreach initiatives,
highlighting the center’s dedication to community enrichment and intercultural
understanding.
The prayer hall was enormous, large enough to accommodate thousands of worshippers.
Male and female worshippers prayed in separate sections, maintaining tradition while
fostering inclusivity. The hall was beautifully adorned with Quranic calligraphy, and
large digital clocks displayed prayer timings. The level of organization and discipline during the Eid prayer was exemplary, a reflection of the unity and respect deeply embedded in the Muslim community here.
Following the prayer, the khutbah (sermon) by the khateeb delivered a powerful message.
He shared an astonishing fact: Muslims in the United States—numbering around 4 to 5
million—collectively hold an estimated purchasing power of nearly $200 billion. That’s
more than the GDP of many Muslim-majority countries. He emphasized that this
economic power should not be underestimated. It can and should be used
strategically—not only to secure rights, protect freedoms, and advocate against
discriminatory policies but also to promote Islamic values and support the global
Ummah.
He also expressed concern over the rising air of uneasiness among Muslim communities
in the U.S., particularly due to certain executive actions and policies under former
President Trump that had created a sense of intimidation, even among those with legal
status. Despite the legal protections available, many families still live under a subtle fear.
In this context, the khateeb encouraged the community to remain united, informed, and
engaged—economically and politically—to safeguard their interests.
After the sermon, we witnessed families gathering in the beautifully landscaped outdoor
areas and near the center’s prominent Shangri-La-style dome, taking photographs in their
vibrant Eid outfits. The atmosphere was full of joy and harmony. The weather, too, had
played its part—the gentle rainfall the night before had cooled the air, making the day
pleasantly crisp and perfect for the outdoor gathering.
Inside the gymnasium, the community had arranged complimentary
refreshments—samosas, baklava, tea, and other delicacies. This gym, which usually
serves as a fitness space, had been transformed into a hospitality hall. The thoughtfulness
and generosity behind this arrangement reflected the warmth and strength of the local
Muslim community.
This Eid was only our second experience attending a religious gathering in the United
States. Just a few days prior, we had visited a Shia community center in the Michigan
area, which was equally impressive. The quality of design and construction exceeded
most nearby buildings, standing as a symbol of religious pride and community cohesion.
Reflecting on these two experiences, one thing became clear: the religious freedom and
infrastructure available to Muslims in the United States—especially in places like
Michigan—are more robust and protected than in many Muslim-majority countries. This,
though ironic, is also a powerful lesson.
In many Muslim countries, sectarian divides remain a cause of intimidation, suppression,
and even violence. In some Shia-majority nations, Sunnis feel unsafe or marginalized. In
Sunni-majority countries, Shias, Ismailis, and Ahmadis often face institutional
discrimination or physical threats. The same intolerance extends to other minority
Muslim groups and non-Muslims alike.
And yet, here in the United States—a secular country with a majority non-Muslim
population—Muslims are free to practice their faith, build grand mosques, organize
religious events, and express their identity without fear. The support for such freedoms is
not merely legal—it is cultural and institutional. From local police providing security at
Eid prayers, to municipal services accommodating prayer schedules, to ordinary citizens
respecting the diversity of faiths around them, the American model of religious freedom
stands out as a benchmark.
This is the strength of democracy. It protects the rights of all individuals—regardless of
race, religion, or ethnicity—and allows communities to thrive without fear. This is also a
reflection of the character of the American people and their institutions, who believe in
inclusion, tolerance, and the protection of civil liberties.
There is a lesson in this for the global Muslim community. If a country like the United
States, with no historical Islamic governance, can offer such dignity and freedom to
Muslims, then surely Muslim-majority countries can and should do better. They must rise
above sectarianism, uphold justice, protect minorities, and foster an environment where
every believer—regardless of sect—can practice their faith without intimidation.
Islam, after all, is a religion of peace. And peace begins with tolerance. It is not enough to
preach unity—we must practice it. If Muslims worldwide begin to embrace diversity
within the Ummah, respect other faiths, and reflect the values of the Holy Qur’an in their
everyday conduct, then the perception of Islam will change globally. It will elevate the
image of Muslims, uplift the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and
demonstrate the true spirit of the religion.
In the end, our first Eid in Michigan was not just a celebration of a sacred festival. It was
a reminder of what it means to belong to a community—one that is free, diverse, and
united in faith. It reaffirmed the importance of coexistence, the value of democracy, and
the responsibility that comes with religious liberty.
About Writer: Press Secretary to the President (Rtd)
Former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France
Former MD, SRBC
Macomb, Detroit, Michigan
