DEARBORN — Restaurants in the city prepare for large crowds every night during Ramadan. Dearborn has become an attraction for Detroit area Muslims who visit it to break their fast throughout the holy month. 

The Arab American News spoke to people who were breaking their fast with Iftar dinner Wednesday night at restaurants in Dearborn; and made a trip to the Hanini Outreach and Community Center, where the charity Life for Relief and Development will be sponsoring free Iftar dinners every day during Ramadan to help the needy with the help of generous volunteers. 

Buffets seem to be the most popular menu option at many restaurants which have them on the menu, especially for the holy month. 

“People are mostly coming for the buffet,” Diab Ajami, the owner of Al Ajami restaurant, said. “It has been really popular. It starts with dates, chicken, lentil soup. And then you get appetizers like tappoli, fatoosh salad or  hummus, the main course meal and then desert.” 

Mangos Café is also offering a special buffet option for Ramadan and provides a family friendly atmosphere. 

 “We are offering an all you can eat buffet during Ramadan for just $16.99,” said Mangos owner Fawaz Hazime. “A lot of people are bringing their families here to break fast.” 

In addition to providing Iftar dinner throughout the holy month to the needy, Life for Relief and Development will be delivering dinner to those who can’t leave their homes because of certain health conditions.

“Ramadan is a time for people to give back to their communities, and help the needy,” said Fawzy Kersha of Life for Relief and Development.

“We break our fast every night with Iftar dinner, but we know Ramadan is about so much more than fasting. It is a time to step up charitable efforts, and reach out to those who are less fortunate than us. Remember, a lot of families in the Arab World can’t break fast peacefully because of all the violence and chaos in many countries.” — Sandra Faraj, Dearborn “Ramadan is like having Thanksgiving every night and getting together with family and friends for a whole month.” — Mohammed Bazzi, Dearborn