RASHEED Abdul-Malik became a Muslim in 1998, and he was drawn to the teachings of Islam after reading from a newspaper called Nation of Islam which was in circulation back then.

He is originally from the city, but settled in Silver City in 1974 after visiting Linden in search of work.

At age 17, his interest was peaked when he began spending time reading about Islam.

Today, he is the caretaker of the masjid and Vice President of the Trustees Committee at the same mosque.

Abdul-Malik told the Pepperpot Magazine that the Linden Jamah Masjid was established in the 1950s.

Today, the vast building that is 90 percent complete sits at the village’s entrance.

It is an impressive structure made out of concrete with a huge tower, and the interior of the building is just as massive and boasts intricate designs.

The construction of the new masjid started in 2018, and over the years, it took shape and is almost complete.

He reported that they have worship services five times per day and they do prayer services via television.

On Friday, they host a special service which is referred to as Jumah Day when a sermon is delivered by the Imam, and that starts at 12:30hrs and lasts until 13:30hrs.

Abdul-Malik added that the sermon is a reminder of their roles as Muslims and their purpose to humanity.

He stated that they would invite other priests at times and do public lectures on television, outreaches and exhibitions of Islamic books and reading materials when they go out into the community.

According to Abdul-Malik, their active membership stands at 50 in total, but a lot more brothers and sisters would attend services from time to time.

He added that Ramadan is a busy time for the members when they pray and break fast for 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon. It is observed annually.

The Linden Jamah Masjid distributes monthly hampers to its members which consists of groceries, and they also do a similar exercise for the community via a clothing drive.

Abdul-Malik told the Pepperpot Magazine that they are hoping to re-start their community initiatives, which were halted as a direct impact of COVID-19.

He noted that they have Islamic teachings on Saturdays at the masjid for both boys and girls.

“At this masjid, anyone can show up and based on their immediate needs, we assist and our doors are open to members of the public at any given time,” he said.

The Linden Jamah Masjid also has a sisters committee which consists of seven women who are responsible for garnering funds through food sales.

The group would host barbeques, fish fries and cake sales to raise funds for their section of the masjid to do things that are necessary.

Abdul-Malik related that the members have good relations with the community. They would often distribute Islamic reading materials and have awareness sessions with members of the public in their outreaches.

“We used to do a lot of community-related work, but it became inactive. We will re-start that programme and are hoping to reach out to more people through our teachings,” he said.

He added that the masjid is supported by its members and their external Muslims via donations of barrels with items for distribution.