Insider | Ramadan in LS: A Conversation with a Muslim Woman

[Milton]

 

Ramadan in LS: A Conversation with a Muslim Woman

Written by Milton Bezzerides, 04/03/2025

 

 

AP Photo/Milton Bezzerides - Ms. Denise Thomas

 

 

LOS SANTOS — Los Santos has been considered the most heterogeneous in existence: a diverse hub where different cultures, and religions come down together. Yet in such a place that prides itself as being a center of opportunity and progress, not everyone in Los Santos has the best of experiences. Ask Denise Thomas: a 35-year-old Muslim woman who has lived in Davis for most of her life. 

 

Denise converted to Islam in her early twenties, something she says is a very personal spiritual choice for her. She has been through life in Los Santos as a proud Muslim woman, trying to commit to her faith while dealing with all the burdens it brings along. 

 

“Davis has been my home, and I love my community.” D. Thomas says. For Denise, Davis has always been a place that is recognizable. It was her home, and despite its reputation, she knows it to be the home of a neighborhood made of people who protect each other. 

 

“People in Davis, they respect me. I wear my hijab, I go about my business, and honestly, most folks don’t care. They just see me as Denise,” she smiles. “The older ladies at the market, my neighbors, even the guys hanging out on the block - they all know me and respect my choice.”

 

She emphasizes that, in her community, people are more focused on the person rather than their religion. “I get a lot of love. People will tell me, ‘Sister, we see you, we respect what you do.’ That means a lot.”

 

AP Photo/Milton Bezzerides

 

Denise has worked at the LTD gas station for a few years. Most of her co-workers and many of her customers are nice; however, she admits that some experiences are unpleasant. “Most days are good. You get your regulars, people who just want their coffee, their gas, maybe a quick chat about the weather,” she says. “But then there are those moments where people look at me differently. Like I don’t belong.”

 

There were times when comments made by customers were either racist or blatantly ignorant, some regarding her choice of dress or comments questioning her faith.

 

“One guy once told me, ‘You don’t belong here, take that thing off your head.’ I just stared at him, like- really? In 2025? You still thinking like that?”  “I don’t argue. I just do my job. But it stays with you, you know?” - Yet Denise maintains the focus that, despite those negative experiences, the average person is generally a good and nice soul. “For every rude customer, there’s ten more who smile, who say ‘thank you,’ who just treat me like a normal person. That’s what I hold on to.

 

Reflection Ramadan in Los Santos: Denise is doing the fasting, praying, and self-reflection ritualistic month. In Los Santos, she finds time to connect with her religion through small things. "It's not easy fasting with those long shifts but I make it work. I do take breaks to pray and when it's time to break fast, I always have dates and water ready in my bag,” she reveals. Supportive co-workers who remind her of the sunset time for her to break her fast have been experienced.

 

Some even get curious about her traditions. "A couple of them ask, 'So you don't eat or drink all day? Not even water?' I just laugh and explain-it's about discipline, faith, and patience."

 

Moving Forward. Denise is proud of her faith and of her place in Los Santos, no matter the trials she faces. Her hope is for progress concerning open-mindedness and respect for differences over time. "At the end of the day, we're all just trying to live, work, and be happy. What I wear or what I believe in-it doesn't matter-the reality for all of us is the same," she says.

 

"If people just led with kindness, the world would be a better place." Home will always be Los Santos for Denise. And while there is still some way to go in terms of understanding and acceptance, she is sure that respect and humanity will always win against ignorance.

 

[Quirk]

name: william
comment: love how ls insider shared denise's story. shows the diversity of this los santos and how great it is

Edited March 7 by Quirk

[Zenko]

Username:Dr.LiamWerner✅

Comment: It's very nice to see diversity in this big city. Great to see stories about people that want to spread kindness and be themselves.

[BurgerBun64]

On 3/8/2025 at 1:36 PM, Zenko said:

Username:Dr.LiamWerner✅

Comment: It's very nice to see diversity in this big city. Great to see stories about people that want to spread kindness and be themselves.

 

Username: BazzkitBawl22

Comment: Dude stop impersonating my friend on here. Actually crazy lol, get a life.

[Zenko]

Username: Dr.LiamWerner✅

Comment: What are you saying? Why are you even commenting this on such an article? Calm down and contact me over Facebrowser if you need to truly check me.

2 hours ago, BurgerBun64 said:

 

 

Username: BazzkitBawl22

Comment: Dude stop impersonating my friend on here. Actually crazy lol, get a life.

 

Edited March 10 by Zenko

[HoustonHunter]

Username: davisthugg

Comment: stfu nigga wdym ppl are nice in davis i been livin here for my whole life and there aint no regulars nigguh yall capping out here

* If traced, the IP adress would lead to Eclipse Towers in Rockford Hills.

[Jaco]

Username: CarsonMauer665
Comment: This lady assaulted me at Burgershot btw. don't trust her. 

Edited March 31 by Jaco