Public Project
Prayer: On Islam, Meditation & the Story of a Mosque
The mosque has been a fixture north of Madison Avenue for thirty years. Its relative obscurity to passersby falls silent to the many worshippers who come to pray and seek counsel from the mosque’s Imam. They come day and night to pray, catch up with friends and sit in meditation towards Mecca.
Having lived in the neighborhood for the past six years, this place of worship and prayer was a curiosity, I stepped inside one day, feet bare and seeking to speak with women, initially, but was attended to by the mosque’s Imam.
After several minutes of me explaining my desire to photograph discreetly that day he politely agreed then handed me a Quran wrapped in cellophane paper. I took the sacred book and confessed I was born a catholic and told him later I would place it in my home for a time and then give it to someone who would know how to read it with faith.
I kept the book by my side as I made pictures that day. I have since returned to the mosque somewhat irregularly but faithfully to photograph and mostly observe those who come to pray, mediate and be still in this modest place of faith.
This personal photo-project “Prayer” on Islam, meditation and a story of a Mosque will go online on March 10 - the first night of Ramadan.
This Sunni Muslim Mosque brings many from far-flung New York City communities to this holy place. Not just on holy days but for ‘salat’ toward Mecca.
Photos to preview the project are found here.
The entire photo + writings will be online until the end of the year on this platform. Highlights will include Eid al-Fitr celebration, the Al-Adha holiday and the voices of worshippers of Masjid Ar Rahman including my own musings on faith and the power of prayer.
©️ Diana Apfelbacher / KreativM
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