“God fearing.” That’s the meaning behind the name Masjid At-Taqwa. This Masjid At-Taqwa stands as a beacon of faith and community in Brooklyn.
Masjid At-Taqwa’s story began with a small group. Twenty-five individuals desired to practice authentic Islam. They left the Nation of Islam July 3, 1981. They gathered in a living room on Hancock Street. They chose the name Masjid At-Taqwa. They incorporated August 27, 1981.
The growing congregation needed more space. They found a vacant property on Bedford Avenue and Fulton Street. It was once a barber shop, restaurant, and other stores. The property at 1266 Bedford Avenue was purchased April 2, 1982. The deed was recorded May 27, 1982. Today, the property includes the Masjid At-Taqwa. It also has a bakery, bookstore, and two Islamic merchandise stores.
Masjid At-Taqwa gained fame in January 1988. The community partnered with the NYPD for 40 days. They patrolled 24 hours a day to shut down crack houses. This happened along Fulton Street. Neighbors and business owners were very appreciative. People on the Fulton Street bus shouted with support. They recognized the Muslims for shutting down the crack houses.
Imam Siraj Wahhaj is also famous. He leads Masjid At-Taqwa. He was the first Muslim to offer the prayer for Congress’ opening session in 1991. He is invited to speak and teach around the world. He visits Islamic groups, colleges, prisons, and youth organizations.
Masjid At-Taqwa is open seven days a week. It welcomes everyone for the five daily prayers. The Friday sermon starts at 1:30 pm. Prayer happens about half an hour after the prayer time begins. Special prayers are led by Shaykh Hassan from Morocco. The Masjid At-Taqwa also hosts weddings and offers counseling. Janazahs which are Islamic funeral prayers and new Shahadah orientations take place here. Classes include Islamic studies, Arabic, and Quran recitation. Martial arts classes are available for adults and children.
Masjid At-Taqwa started as a small community in 1981. It consisted of 25 African American Muslims. They held Friday prayers in a brother’s living room. Now, Masjid At-Taqwa is planning a development project. They aim to revamp their community center. They are raising money for this project. Masjid At-Taqwa continues to impact Brooklyn. It changes and illuminates the surrounding areas.