Ramadan Tent in Netherlands Aims to Counter Islamophobia, Promote Dialogue

Ramadan Tent in Netherlands Aims to Counter Islamophobia, Promote Dialogue
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Muslim activists in the Dutch city of Utrecht have set up a Ramadan tent near Utrecht Central Station to introduce the public to Islam and the spirit of the holy month. The initiative, launched at the start of Ramadan, combined a communal iftar, open prayers, and direct conversations with passersby, aiming to strengthen ties with the local community and respond to rising anti-Muslim sentiment.

The event was organized by Building and Dialogue Foundation, a civil society organization active in combating Islamophobia and promoting understanding of Islamic culture. The initiative followed the burning of a copy of the Quran in the city of Assen on January 16, an incident that sparked widespread concern among Muslim communities across the country.

Organizers said the goal was to transform a moment of distress into an opportunity for constructive engagement by holding the event in a central, highly visible location. The tent featured displays of Quranic verses translated into Dutch, video screens showing recitations with subtitles, and informational leaflets explaining fasting, the values of Ramadan, and principles such as compassion and solidarity in Islam.

At sunset, Maghrib and later Isha prayers were held openly, attended by both Muslims and non-Muslims. Coffee, tea, and iftar meals were also offered to fasting travelers and commuters near the station.

Participants included scholars from Al-Azhar University, who highlighted the Quran’s universal ethical message and noted the interest shown by local residents in listening to the recitation and the call to prayer. Volunteers from diverse backgrounds helped organize the event, emphasizing that respectful dialogue and shared human values are essential to social cohesion in multicultural societies.