Thousands of Muslims Gather for Ramadan Prayer in Times Square

The mass prayer event sparked debate over the use of public spaces for religious expression

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Thousands of Muslims gathered in New York City's Times Square on Friday to observe Ramadan with a mass prayer event. Videos circulating on social media showed worshippers assembled in organized rows during the prayer, drawing attention from tourists and passersby in one of the city's busiest areas. The gathering prompted a counter-event promoted online as the 'Times Square Dog Lovers Gathering,' with some participants expressing opposition to holding religious services in such a high-profile public space.

Why it matters

The event sparked debate over the appropriate use of public spaces for religious expression, with some defending it as protected speech and others raising concerns about disruption in a heavily trafficked tourist area. It also highlighted the growing Muslim population in New York City and the visibility of Islamic practices in public spaces.

The details

Organizers of the prayer have not indicated any intent beyond observing Ramadan, one of the holiest months in Islam. Public prayer events have taken place in outdoor spaces across New York City in previous years, particularly during major religious holidays. Critics of the Times Square location argue that houses of worship exist throughout the city and question whether heavily trafficked tourist areas are appropriate for organized religious events. City officials have not announced any violations related to the gathering, and it was not immediately clear whether a permit was obtained.

  • The prayer event took place on Friday, February 20, 2026, during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The players

Zohran

A reference to the event being held in New York City, which some critics have described as no longer being 'America' but rather an 'Islamic third-world cesspool'.

Alexander Duncan

A Twitter user who posted a critical comment about the event, describing Times Square as no longer being 'America' but rather an 'Islamic third-world cesspool'.

Vivid

A Twitter user who posted a critical comment about the event, questioning why the mass prayer was allowed to take place in Times Square.

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What they’re saying

“NYC is no longer America, it's an Islamic third-world cesspool.”

— Alexander Duncan (Twitter)

“Why is this allowed?”

— Vivid (Twitter)

The takeaway

The event in Times Square highlights the ongoing debate over the appropriate use of public spaces for religious expression and the growing visibility of Islamic practices in major U.S. cities. While some view the mass prayer as a protected form of religious freedom, others are concerned about the disruption to a heavily trafficked tourist area and the perceived encroachment of Islamic influence in public spaces.