SINCE the evening of June 18, New York-based Guyanese Muslims, plus Muslims from other nationalities, have been attending mosques at dusk to pray and remember their God, Almighty Allah, to break their daily fast in the month of Rojah (as known by Guyanese) or Ramadan throughout the New York metro area.

The largest number of Guyanese-oriented mosques is in Queens. Most Muslims fast for spiritual and body renewal during this holy period of sacrifice. Some Muslims come to the mosque several (five) times during the day, as prescribed in the holy Koran; and where not possible, they pray at a convenient location to adhere to this pillar of Islam.

There are numerous Caribbean Guyanese-oriented mosques in the greater Richmond Hill area, and in Jamaica, Queens Village, and in other Guyanese or Caribbean communities where Guyanese or Caribbean Muslims congregate for social activities and worshipping. Every nationality have their own jamaat and Mosques for worshipping; and Guyanese, like other nationalities, prefer to worship at their own masjid with their customs and practices, and breaking the fast with their cultural diet.
The mosques or masjids are packed nightly during the Ramadan period. Some individuals of other nationalities also come to the Guyanese Masjids for worship, and some Guyanese do worship at mosques of other nationalities, where Guyanese mosques are not available.

Before the advent of mosques among the Guyanese/Caribbean community in New York, people used to gather at homes or community centres, or schools to break the fast. It was most inconvenient for community worshipping and for prayers to break the fast. This led to the acquisition of buildings that were transformed into makeshift mosques. Later, members donated funds and/or received grants from wealthy donors-locally and overseas-to purchase land upon which masjids were constructed.

The Al Abidin Masjid, in the heart of Liberty Avenue, is undergoing reconstruction following the tearing down of the not-so-old structure with its replacement by a massive building.

During this period of Rojah, Muslims refrain from the consumption of food and water from sun-up to sun-down, and often give up other worldly habits for that period.

Since the start of Rojah, hundreds have been gathering at the Guyanese mosques in Queens to break their fast by consuming dates, fruits and water, or tea. The worshippers feast on delicious meals prepared by a hard-working group of men and women. At some of the Masjids, volunteers arrive early afternoon to begin preparation of meals, or they bring meals prepared from home. Some congregations purchase foods. The dishes vary nightly — with vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, all donated by members of the respective Islamic fraternity.

For each day in Ramadhan, meals were sponsored by members of each mosque and by other generous Muslim families. Rojah ends on July 18 with the celebration of Eid, which culminates the fasting period.

VISHNU BISRAM