The Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan has begun and some Chicagoans are helping Afghan refugees celebrate, and assimilate.
Irshad Khan, Chairman of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, tells WBBM many groups are "making sure that they are feeling home or at least in easing in their resettlement process here in Chicagoland. We are providing the culture and prayer needs for them, providing some food and other assistance for them."
And Khan tells WBBM most of the refugees are completely starting over.
"It really tears my heart to see these people coming in with nothing on them, basically we see them at the airport and they have nothing on them, they just walk in with their clothes and now we need to find housing for them. We need to find basic needs for them. And all of that is overwhelming for all of us."
And he says many are helping them, help the Afghan refugees.
"I cannot thank enough for the Chicagoans who have been so supportive of welcoming these refugees, wanting to do so much. We are so blessed to have a welcoming state and welcoming community in Illinois."
And Khan says helping those from Afghanistan is especially meaningful amid celebrations of the Holy Month of Ramadan, and on the heels of the pandemic.
"This is a month that we have been waiting for the last two years to be together in the community. This is a month that we get together as a family."
The Chicago Sun Times reports that, as of February 1, more than 1,800 Afghans have resettled in Illinois since last fall's evacuations in Afghanistan. The Illinois Department of Human Services also says in total, there could be up to 3,000 Afghans who end up settling in Illinois.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is revered as a very sacred and holy month for 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide.