Masjid Al-Noor at 430 Logy Bay Road, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
First time here was Sunday morning when I prayed Fajr outside a closed Masjid.
Tonight is the first time inside.
Taraweeh Night Prayers had already begun.
Conveniently, the brother’s wudu facilities are on the main floor and I quickly catch-up.
Masjid Al-Noor is packed tonight, but it isn’t overflowing out the main prayer hall.
Children are running in and around a number of niches in this unique floor plan.
The main prayer hall is accessible by wheelchair or mobility device, though I don’t see any here right now.
Isha began at 10:30 p.m., followed by eight rakats of Taraweeh Night Prayers.
Prayers conclude by 11:45 p.m.
People quickly clear out and head home in their cars.
And it has to be cars as Public Transit does not run out here.
It’s almost midnight on a Sunday night in a part of the city closer to the Airport than the commercial centre.
I have a few moments to explore before Masjid Al-Noor is closed for the night.
The Faux-Dome holds my attention.
From outside, the Dome is distinctive. Seeing it from inside, it is only decorative.
Lights out.
My intention was to walk down the street and find the Tim Horton’s I had walked by on Sunday Morning, use the wifi and catch up on blogging Days 1 and 2 of 30 Masjids Canada.
But I do need rest. Coffee would not help. I am beat tired.
Fortunately, Zoheb, who frequented Masjid Toronto, when he was a student in Toronto, recognizes me, as we often prayed there at the same time.
He tells me his Aunt has been following this blog’s progress and was inspired to attempt her own personal 30 Masjids tour around Toronto.
Our chat is joined by Ahmed Khawer, current President of the Muslim Students’ Association at Memorial.
They both fill me in missing facts in my understanding of St. John’s Muslim Culture and Community.
We’ve been talking inside the masjid at length, and Fajr is at 2:56 a.m.
Zoheb invites me to skip caffeine at Timmie’s and crash at his family’s place, only a few minutes away.
I can rest, share sahoor with his folks, who’d be happy to meet me.
Then back here for Fajr.
It’s a plan.
