Ramaḍān is a month of profound spiritual reflection and devotion. Each night, as the fast breaks and the evening prayers conclude, the anticipation of tarāwīḥ—the special night prayers—fills the hearts of the faithful. This year, my experience of tarāwīḥ at Darul Qasim in Glendale Heights was one of unparalleled spiritual tranquility. As a busy professional, the opportunity to participate in these sacred prayers in an environment that fostered both devotion and efficiency was truly a blessing.
Darul Qasim, founded and led by its Director, Shaykh Amin Kholwadia, and known for its commitment to classical Islamic scholarship, provided an ideal setting for tarāwīḥ. Unlike larger mosques that sometimes become overwhelmed with logistical concerns or excessive fundraising appeals, the experience at Darul Qasim was refreshingly pure. The atmosphere was one of quiet reverence, allowing worshippers to immerse themselves fully in prayer without distractions. This simplicity cultivated a space where the soul could engage deeply with the divine.
From the moment I stepped into the prayer hall, there was a palpable sense of peace. The lighting was gentle, the recitation of the Qur’an by the two young imams was accurate and melodious yet unembellished, and the congregation moved in unison, embodying the harmony that Ramaḍān brings to the hearts of believers. Unlike many other places where tarāwīḥ can extend late into the night, the prayers at Darul Qasim were usually completed within 90 minutes—striking the perfect balance between devotion and practicality. This made it possible for individuals like me, juggling work and family responsibilities, to participate fully without the concern of exhaustion disrupting the next day’s obligations.
The significance of tarāwīḥ extends beyond the ritual of standing in prayer. It is a practice that allows for deep contemplation, a moment to disengage from worldly distractions and turn inward toward the divine. At Darul Qasim, this experience was enhanced by the unhurried yet disciplined pace of prayer. The imams recited the Qur’an with a measured cadence, and consistent accuracy ensuring that each verse resonated and settled into the hearts of those present. This was not an exercise in endurance but an invitation to spiritual elevation.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this experience was the absence of interruptions. Too often, the serenity of Ramaḍān nights is disrupted by fundraising appeals, breaking the sacred flow of worship. While the importance of supporting religious institutions cannot be understated, the manner in which it is done can either enhance or hinder the spiritual atmosphere. At Darul Qasim, the focus remained solely on tarāwīḥ as an act of devotion. This uninterrupted connection made the experience all the more rewarding.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Darul Qasim’s approach is that despite not offering Jumu’ah khutbahs or the five daily prayers—opportunities that many mosques use to collect regular donations—it still does not resort to fundraising during tarāwīḥ. This raises an important question: how can an institution without daily or weekly donation collections sustain itself without disrupting worshippers? The answer lies in its philosophy—prioritizing spiritual enrichment over institutional maintenance. Instead of placing the burden on worshippers during sacred moments of prayer, Darul Qasim has structured itself in a way that allows it to focus on God, rather than on financial concerns.
This intentional focus on worship rather than financial appeals is a testament to the institution’s commitment to the essence of Ramaḍān: a time of spiritual growth, renewal, and deepening one’s relationship with God. It is refreshing to witness a place where the priority is solely on the act of worship, without distractions that pull the heart and mind away from the divine.
As someone whose professional life demands intense focus and long hours, the structured yet spiritually enriching format of tarāwīḥ at Darul Qasim was a perfect fit. It provided a space where I could momentarily detach from the demands of the world and reconnect with my faith in a meaningful way. Ramaḍān, at its core, is a time of self-renewal—a reminder of our higher purpose, our relationship with God, and the blessings that extend beyond material pursuits. The opportunity to partake in these night prayers in such an undisturbed, peaceful manner reaffirmed why this month is so special.
In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, finding a place where one can fully surrender to worship is invaluable. Darul Qasim offered just that—a sanctuary of spiritual peace, where the essence of Ramaḍān was honored without distraction. As I reflect on this experience, I am grateful for the sense of tranquility and closeness to God that these nights of prayer provided. It is a reminder that in the midst of our busy lives, carving out moments for sincere devotion is not only possible but essential.
For many of us, Ramaḍān is a time to realign our priorities and seek a deeper sense of purpose. My experience at Darul Qasim was a powerful testament to the beauty of simplicity in worship and the profound serenity that comes from an undisturbed connection with the divine. It is an experience I will carry with me long after the crescent moon of Eid marks the end of the month, a reminder that true peace is found in the remembrance of God.
-Azam Nizamuddin
What an excellent reflection. Thank you for sharing it.