Customer Reviews

New York Masjid / Mosques Of New York

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I am very glad I bought this book, but for the lessons I learned unintentionally.

You see, I bought it hoping to learn more about the (relatively) new and beautiful mosque and cultural center in Manhattan's upper east side. Living in the Seattle area, I knew it would be a while before I got to see that mosque myself (and I was fortunate to finally get there last November).

The book was apparently published before that mosque was completed, because there was little I can recall in the book about it.

But I was truly pleased to read how Muslims in New York have created their own spaces and mosques in places that were not originally meant to be so holy.

Imagine living in a place where the means to worship as you want are so restricted... I thought about being an early Christian in Rome, or a Jew in Europe throughout much of Christian history, or even an adherent of Shinto in North America (where there is only one shrine... luckily near my home).

This book taught me more than I thought I wanted to know, and I am very grateful. I recommend reading it, as well as a visit to the new mosque on 93rd Street. Both are testaments to the power of faith.

The New York Masjid lends an astounding glimpse into the lens of the diverse and fast growing Muslim populous of this eclectic metropolis known as New York City.

The photographer takes the reader on an pictorial reminder into the varying degrees of the Masjid structures that are scattered throughout the five boroughs, which not only serves to shatter the preconceived idea of the Masjids always being these architectural wonders often found in majority Muslim countries (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Senegal, etc), but also displays the dedication of these Muslims to erect a house devoted to the worship of Allah. The masjids of New York rather are mostly converted warehouses, family homes, garages, lofts, apartments, and even backyards, as this book beautifully illustrates.

If you are seeking a look into the ever growing perspective of "Islamic New York", then scroll to the top of the page, and purchase this book immediately

Peace brothers and sisters!
Karamou Alifaa Fatafindou