Today we visited this new masjid that was established a couple of months back. Take two steps away from the bodega and you’ll miss it.
http://bassamtariq.com/30days/harlem/masjiddoor.jpg
A brief dhikr took place before iftaar. The congregants at the masjid were incredibly hospitable. Everyone I walked by asked if I had enough orange juice, tea or coffee. The majority of the people were from West Africa and spoke both Walaf and Arabic. We were the only South Asians.
http://bassamtariq.com/30days/harlem/masjid_light.jpg
http://bassamtariq.com/30days/harlem/iftaar.jpg
As we broke our fast with bread and butter, a lady asked, “what is your name?”
I replied, “Bassam.”
“Bachan? Like Amitabh Bachan”
It took me a second to realize she meant the legendary Bollywood heartthrob. We all laughed as she listed her favorite Indian movies
Dinner was going to be served after Isha prayers, but I had to get going. I promised them that next time I come I’ll make them a nice Pakistani dish and they are holding me to it.
On my way back, I started listing off all the different dishes I could make. Turns out I couldn’t make that many. Looks like I’ll head over to Patel Brothers in Jackson Heights and buy some daal.
