In Islam, God revealed the Quran, the holiest book for Muslims, to the prophet Muhammad during Ramadan; the month s start depends on the sighting of the new moon. Fasting lasts from dawn to sunset every day of the month and is broken by iftar. When the month of Ramadan ends, Muslims, numbering nearly two billion worldwide, traditionally celebrate the holiday with multiple days of feasting and gatherings. But that s difficult during a pandemic.
Kolila s mosque and others across Colorado were closed and unable to host worshippers for iftar meals after the daily fasting last year; nor could they welcome Muslims for the nightly prayers and Quranic recitation.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
Imam Muhammad Kolila stands in the Whittier s Downtown Denver Islamic Center before evening prayer. March 2, 2021.
Imam Muhammad Kolila was challenged in many ways over the last year of the pandemic but he says overall, the experience has helped him grow in his faith.
“I m a person that s struggling,” he said. “I m here by myself and it s weird, but oh praise to God that actually I m living that life to connect to people, especially the ones that are actually struggling with the social connection, especially in the light of COVID-19.”
Kolila leads the Masjid Al-Shuhadaa, the Downtown Denver Islamic Center. Like many of his congregants, he’s an immigrant who doesn’t have much family in the United States besides his young daughter.