I told you a bit about the film “A Son’s Sacrifice” earlier. I’ve seen this film several times and what I find most striking is the diversity of nationality among the Muslims who go to the Halal butcher shop in Ozone Park, Queens, in New York City, featured in the film. There’s a scene in the film (see below) where the son (Imran) is talking about the service that his Dad (Riaz) performs for the Muslims in the community. You see the faces of Muslims from Southeast Asia, the Middle East and elsewhere. They look different, but they’re there for the same thing: Halal meat to celebrate Qurbani. They are a community.

The thing with religion, I think, is that for some, it transcends place of origin and political views. For many immigrants to the United States, religious belief may be the one thing that binds them to others, that makes them feel at home, that alleviates loneliness. From food and clothing stores, to religious organizations throughout the United States, new immigrants and established families rely on these places to uphold their religious traditions.

What role do you think religion should play in daily life? In the community?

Read more about this film documentary directed by Yoni Brook and co-produced with Musa Syeed.