The requested URL /?cat=238 was not found on this server.Tonight, Bassam and I went to Brooklyn to visit one of New York’s finest mosques, Masjid At-Taqwa. This is the mosque of Imam Siraj Wahhaj, one of the US’ leading Muslim scholars and also one of the most sought after public speakers. I’m sure anyone who has met Imam Siraj has a story about how he impacted his/her life, but for me, he’s one of the people that mentored me as I pursued a career in standup comedy. One of the things I like about Imam Siraj is any time you meet him, a little bit of his kindness and goodwill rubs off on you. Just being around him makes you feel like a better person. I felt that a lot tonight when Bassam and I hung out with the congregants in the mosque. The food we broke our fast with hit very close to home for me. In my teenage years, I spent a lot of time with Muslim groups that identify themselves as Tabligh Jammats. They are Muslims that travel around the country encouraging other Muslims to get more involved in their religion and local mosque activities.

Many Muslims often criticize the practices of Tabligh Jammat, but I can only speak from my own experiences- and they were all positive. The people I met on Tabligh Jammat were strangers that made me feel welcome during a time in my life I was confused about what my purpose in life was. But anywho, the reason why the food hit close to home for me was because we had bread with cream cheese and honey out of a shared plate. air duct cleaning warrensburg moIt’s something we ate just about every day while on these Tabligh Jammat trips.accuclean whole home air filtration system price To many people, understandably so, it might be a culture shock to see 3-4 people eat with their hands out of the same plate. air purifier mendinginkan ruangan

It’s a tradition that dates back to Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) time. It’s amazing how quickly one plate of food brings strangers together, regardless of who they are or where they come from. Tonight was that case. I was sitting far away from the plate of cream cheese and honey, and had trouble reaching over. The brother sitting next to me immediately noticed me reaching and encouraged me to move in closer. His name was Muhammad, he and the other people sitting there made sure I was comfortable and asked if I had everything I wanted. I didn’t even uttered a word, but they treated me like royalty. Within minutes we were all cracking jokes and having a blast. Before we knew it, our plate was empty, but our spirits were anything but. It was then time to pray. The congregation here is a healthy mix of African Americans, Caribbean Islanders and Bengalis. Imam Siraj Wahajj was not there tonight, but the imam who led us tonight also had a soothing recitation.

As you can see, it was a packed house, even for a Wednesday night. The lines for dinner were fairly long, but I don’t think it mattered to anyone how long they were. Bassam and I were perfectly content waiting in line shooting the breeze about the happenings of the day. The volunteers definitely deserve shoutouts for patiently serving such a large group of people. Considering Masjid At-Taqwa is one of the most well-known mosques in the entire country, best believe they come just as correct with their food. Tonight for dinner we had a nice mix of soul and island food. I had lo-mein, baked macaroni, potato salad, cornbread, baked chicken and couscous. The couscous was really good, they put in all sorts of cranberries and raisins to give it a zesty zing. After dinner, we briefly hung out with some of the brothers in the mosque and then visited Abu’s Bakery, which is next door to the mosque. The owner, Idrees, said it’s very common for his bakery to be the hang out spot for Muslims once prayers are done next door.

Bassam and I have both heard wonderful things about the sweets here (especially the bean pie), but both of us were way too full to even think about food. Definitely a place to visit next time we’re in the neighborhood though. What Imam Siraj Wahajj and his congregation have built here in New York is definitely a shining example for the American Muslim community. There’s a reason why people flock from all over the five boroughs to his mosque. When I first moved to NY, I would spend almost 2 hours on the subway from my apartment in the north Bronx all the way down to his mosque. I can’t speak for the other people who come here, but what always draws me to this mosque is its breathtakingly friendly atmosphere. You step inside this place and you feel so welcome, it’s almost intoxicating. But there’s more to this place than just the atmosphere. They’ve been able to take that atmosphere and build an entire community around the mosque. An almost endless row of Muslim run shops circulate around the mosque serving the entire local community, serving both Muslims and Non-Muslims.

That to me is what a mosque should be. By simply having a presence in the neighborhood, everyone and everything around it becomes better as a result. posted on September 17th, 2009 under Brooklyn.Practical Marketing for REACH clients Marketing is considered to be one of the most important aspects in the management of a business since it promotes growth and income and it is also one of the 7 P's in the Marketing Mix. This, and other key information on Practical Marketing for Entrepreneurs, was taught during the REACH Unit's three day long course specifically targeted for their clients. The session was held at the COMDEV Building, Montessori Drive from 2nd-4th August, 2016. On Tuesday 12th May, 2015, the REACH Unit, under the Division of Health and Social Services, hosted a function to distribute grants to persons whom they believed to be qualified and assisted them in taking the first steps to becoming small business entrepreneurs. This is one of the main goals of the REACH Unit in order to ensure the growth of the business sector on the island of Tobago.

This was the workshop hosted by the REACH programme, under the Division of Health and Social Services, at the Anne Mitchell-Gift Auditorium at the Scarborough Library on 23rd and 24th March, 2015. Budding entrepreneurs and young business enthusiasts were given some insights and pertinent information that will assist them in documenting and calculating the costing and pricing for their goods and services. Facilitator for the two-day hands-on workshop was Ms. Claire de Riggs-Jones,  who brought her expertise and wealth of knowledge, worked in groups and had one-on-one sessions with the partipants. At the end of day two of the workshop, some participants were shaking their heads in disbelief of the fact that they were doing the wrong calculations for such a long time. Others thanked the staff of the REACH programme for the opportunity and suggested that it, and other workshops, be offered. 47 REACH Recipients receive Grants! On Thursday 20th November, 2014, the REACH Unit, a programme under the Division of Health and Soical Services hosted, a ceremony where 47 persons received grants in order to assist with their dreams of becoming Entrepreneurs. 

The REACH Unit, in its bid to remain relevant to the development of the people of Tobago had ascribed itself,l targets to ensure that the overall goals have been attained and that the programme was meeting the needs of the persons whom it served. Thanks to the REACH Unit, 55 businesses would have been established in the financial year 2013-2014, amounting to approximately $412,500.00 and are aiming to fund 150 over the course of the present financial year.The Division of Health and Social Services wishes to congratulate the recipients on the progress made on their journey to become the latest of Tobago's newest entrepreneurs! It is hoped that this will be the stepping stone for future progress and development not just for these reciepients, but for those willing to be a part the REACH programme. Second REACH Grant Distribution for 2014! On Monday 16th September, 2014 the REACH Unit under the Division of Health and Social Services distributed funds to their clients as a start to their entrepreneurship dreams.