CANADA | Day 29 – Masjid Al-Iman – 2218 Quadra Street, Victoria, British Columbia


When I began 30 Masjids CANADA, my intention was to begin Ramadan 2016 in Newfoundland and end on Vancouver Island.

InshAllah, we’re almost there…



05 - Masjid al Iman - Iftar Dates - Victoria British Columbia - July 4 2016

Iftar was sticky dates, a cup of water, a cup of milk. A plate of sour cream was placed beside many of the dates plates in front of brothers awaiting Adhan Al-Maghrib.

Y’know, I’ve been constantly surprised with what I have found accompanying plates of dates as I have travelled across Canada, breaking my daily Fasts.

In Ste. Foy / Quebec City, pitted dates had peanut butter inside them. Another instance there was Pistachio Halva. Yet another time the dates had zatar inside them… I think?

And on Day 29 of Ramadan 2016, inside the basement of Masjid Al-Iman in Victoria, British Columbia, I broke my Fast with dates dipped in sour cream.

Wow. Works well. Tasty.

06 - Masjid al Iman - Mimbar INSIDE the Mihrab - Victoria British Columbia - July 4 2016

The Mihrab in Masjid Al-Iman’s Main Prayer Hall upstairs has something I don’t know I have exactly noticed anywhere else nor recall seeing.

The Mimbar, is carved out of the right side of the Mihrab, creating a double use of this prayer niche.

This design decision certainly creates space up front for a few more additional worshippers on busy Fridays no doubt.

Then thinking about it, I DID see this concept at least. As recent as yesterday inside Masjid Al-Hidayah in Port Coquitlam:

014 - Masjid Al-Hidayah & Islamic Cultural Centre - 2626 Kingsway, Port Coquitlam - Sunday July 3 2016

In Port Coquitlam, the Imam enters through the Mihrab, walks up a few steps and stands in the Mimbar above and facing the Faithful. Again, saving one full prayer line up front.

Well, next up, I go Moonsighting.

Yeah, I know it’s technically impossible to see it from here, Victoria, BC.

It’s the principle of the matter. Plus, it’s a Sunnah too.

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