LIVE: Eid prayers in New York’s Washington Square Park

| News | March 20, 2026 | 4.07 Thousand views | 45:22

TL;DR

This broadcast captures thousands of Muslims gathering in Washington Square Park for Eid prayers, where the Imam delivers a powerful sermon urging the community to reject indifference and selfishness through active love, global solidarity with Gaza and Sudan, and participation in the newly established Islamic Center of New York City.

🕌 Eid Prayer and Community Convening 2 insights

Mass outdoor congregation in Manhattan

Thousands of Muslims from diverse backgrounds gathered in Washington Square Park for the Eid prayer, marking the end of Ramadan with a public display of unity and faith.

Brunch and Juma prayer logistics

Attendees were invited to brunch at the Islamic Center on Washington Place and 6th Avenue, with Friday prayers scheduled indoors at 1:15-1:45 PM and 2:00-2:30 PM.

❤️ Theology of Unconditional Love 3 insights

Islam as an asset, not a liability

The Imam challenged Muslims to view their identity as an asset, rejecting systems that instill inferiority and embracing their faith with confidence in any space.

Combatting indifference and selfishness

The sermon identified indifference—seeing others' suffering as not one's responsibility—as a deeper spiritual plague than hatred, urging the community to feel deeply and act decisively.

Love without condition

Citing the phrase "love wins," the speaker emphasized that Islamic tradition calls for love based on shared humanity, transcending race, class, and culture.

🌍 Solidarity with Global Conflicts 2 insights

Prayers for Palestine and Sudan

The congregation prayed for an end to the occupation in Palestine and relief for Sudan, Lebanon, and other conflict zones, asking for justice and ease for those suffering.

Lessons from refugees

The Imam shared experiences from Palestinian refugee camps and war-torn Sudan, highlighting how those with nothing demonstrated profound generosity, contrasting with the spiritual poverty of indifference.

🏛️ The New Islamic Center Expansion 2 insights

Inauguration of community programs

The Imam invited attendees to visit the new Islamic Center of New York City, which recently completed its first Ramadan at capacity and will house clinics, food pantries, and re-entry programs.

Becoming founders of the community

He urged attendees to witness the center's raw, unfinished state to be spiritually recorded as founders before renovations transform the space.

Bottom Line

Combat spiritual indifference and selfishness by actively practicing unconditional love, supporting global justice efforts, and building tangible community infrastructure that serves the vulnerable.

More from Reuters

View all
LIVE: British PM Starmer takes questions in parliament
Reuters Reuters

LIVE: British PM Starmer takes questions in parliament

Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his refusal to directly approve new North Sea oil licenses, citing legal constraints and advocating for renewables, while clashing with opposition leader Kemi Badenoch over energy security and the UK's stance on the Iran-Israel conflict.

about 2 hours ago · 10 points
LIVE: Lagarde addresses the 'ECB and Its Watchers' conference at Frankfurt University
Reuters Reuters

LIVE: Lagarde addresses the 'ECB and Its Watchers' conference at Frankfurt University

ECB President Christine Lagarde outlined a scenario-based strategy to navigate the latest Middle East energy shock, emphasizing three core principles—assessing shock persistence, monitoring tail risks beyond baseline forecasts, and maintaining graduated policy options—while noting today's neutral policy stance and weaker demand reduce the risk of 2022-style inflationary pass-through.

about 5 hours ago · 10 points
LIVE: UNHRC holds emergency debate on Iran
Reuters Reuters

LIVE: UNHRC holds emergency debate on Iran

The UN Human Rights Council convened an emergency debate on escalating military hostilities where Iran launched drone and missile attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan following US and Israeli strikes, as UN officials warned of catastrophic civilian casualties, potential war crimes, and severe global economic disruptions from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

about 6 hours ago · 9 points
LIVE: NASA provides update on National Space Policy
Reuters Reuters

LIVE: NASA provides update on National Space Policy

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman outlined a strategic pivot to prioritize a lunar surface base over the Gateway orbital outpost, emphasizing that the agency will fund these ambitions by reallocating its existing $25 billion annual budget and leveraging commercial partnerships rather than seeking new congressional appropriations.

about 17 hours ago · 9 points