Special Report

Shutdown: The Coronavirus

A man performing the prayer before breaking his fast. During the Islamic month of Ramadan Muslims neither eat nor drink anything from dawn to dusk. Imam Al-Khoei Foundation, New York City. Photo by Hassan Abbas. April 15,2021

The Imam Al-Khoei Foundation, a place of worship for Shia Muslims, opens for Ramadan service once again.

Just a six minute walk from Jamaica’s Van Wyck stop off the E train in Queens, sits one of the largest Shia Muslim centers in New York City.

Last year the Imam Al-Khoei Foundation had to be closed down due to COVID-19. The community was not able to congregate during the holy month of Ramadan. 

But the center  has reopened with limited capacity so devotees can attend sermons, pray as a congregation and break their fasts together, all while following pandemic precautions.

 

People entering the building before the start of congregational prayers. Imam Al-Khoei Foundation, New York City. Photo by Hassan Abbas. April 30, 2021

Allama Abid Bilgrami, a Shia religious scholar narrates the tragedy of Karbala, a  very significant event for Shia Muslims.  Their third Imam and grandson of Prophet Muhammad was killed in battle along with many members of his family. Imam Al-Khoei Foundation, New York City. Photo by Hassan Abbas. April 14, 2021

Ali Raza and his grandson, Ali Hassan Naqvi pick up a block of clay “Turbah”. During prayers Shia Muslims prostrate upon earth (clay) or anything that grows on earth such as grass or wood (except for minerals). Imam Al-Khoei Foundation, New York City. Photo by Hassan Abbas. April 14, 2021

Blocks of wood and a clay disc called a “Turbah” were set up by a child who is sitting nearby. During prayers Shia Muslims prostrate upon earth (clay) or anything that grows on earth such as grass or wood (except for minerals). Imam Al-Khoei Foundation, Jamaica, Queens, NY. Photo by Hassan Abbas. April 14, 2021

Waqar Ali cries while he listens to the tragic events of Karbala. The atmosphere of the entire congregation becomes somber. Photo by Hassan Abbas. April 15, 2021

Azazhar Hasnain performs the obligatory Ablution “Wudu” (washing of the arms and the face) before performing a prayer. Imam Al-Khoei Foundation, Jamaica, Queens, NY. Photo by Hassan Abbas. April 15, 2021

Sheikh Fadhel Al-Sahlani leads the prayer before breaking fast. Following precautions to prevent COVID-19 the congregation is praying with gaps between each person; under normal circumstances it is obligatory for people in the rows to stand almost shoulder to shoulder. Imam Al-Khoei Foundation, Jamaica, Queens, NY. Photo by Hassan Abbas. April 18, 2021

Shabbir Husain Musliwala prostrates on “Turbah” while he performs Salah. During prayers Shia Muslims prostrate upon earth (clay) or anything that grows on earth such as grass or wood (except for minerals). To prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 people wear masks inside the prayer hall. Imam Al-Khoei Foundation, Jamaica, Queens, NY. Photo by Hassan Abbas. April 14, 2021

Congregational prayers are performed in limited capacity following COVID-19 preventive measures. The marks on the carpet guide people where to stand during the prayer. Imam Al-Khoei Foundation, Jamaica, Queens, NY. Photo by Hassan Abbas. April 15, 2021

A man reads a chapter of the Quran before the start of congregational prayer. Imam Al-Khoei Foundation, Jamaica, Queens, NY. Photo by Hassan Abbas. April 14, 2021

Abdel Krem (seated), and Aslam Ajani put rice and gravy into takeout containers. After prayers are completed, volunteers will distribute a meal of salad, rice with gravy, soup, and dates to the congregation so they can break their fasts. Imam Al-Khoei Foundation, Jamaica, Queens, NY. Photo by Hassan Abbas. April 14, 2021

A man breaks his fast. Imam Al-Khoei Foundation, Jamaica, Queens, NY. Photo by Hassan Abbas. April 14, 2021

After the end of congregational prayers, people leave the main prayer hall for the basement where they will receive a meal to break their day-long fasts. Imam Al-Khoei Foundation, Jamaica, Queens, NY. Photo by Hassan Abbas. April 18, 2021

Author


Tags


Other Stories in Special Report: Shutdown: The Coronavirus

Life returns to the East Village

Quincy Walter May 5, 2021

And the band played on

Xavier Bartaburu May 2, 2021

Queens residents mourn at Covid vigil

Annie Burky May 2, 2021

Floating for Free: COVID and the Staten Island Ferry

Trish Rooney May 2, 2021

COVID-19 has left many Black and Hispanic landlords in serious debt

Norah Hogan April 24, 2021

Village East movie theater reopens to the public

Inga Parkel April 13, 2021

Chinese adoptions halted by COVID

Inga Parkel March 24, 2021

Remote is the new workplace normal

Courtney Guarino March 24, 2021

One year of COVID-19 in New York City

Michelle Diaz March 16, 2021

COVID long haulers deal with lingering symptoms and doubt

Kaity Assaf March 5, 2021

Pandemic Weddings

Chuyan Jiang March 2, 2021

Pandemic fatigue 101

Chuyan Jiang February 28, 2021

Yankee Stadium becomes COVID-19 vaccine site for Bronx residents only

Michelle Diaz February 24, 2021

The queer community rallies behind their sacred spaces closed because of COVID-19

Inga Parkel February 23, 2021

Street vendors struggle as New Yorkers and tourists stay home

Norah Hogan February 13, 2021

Keeping the faith in COVID-19

Courtney Guarino February 3, 2021

Little Italy’s restaurants need indoor dining to survive pandemic

Michelle Diaz February 2, 2021

Stray pets find homes and love during pandemic

Inga Parkel February 1, 2021

No Actors, But the Show Goes On

James Pothen December 5, 2020

New York City, a place of refuge 

Edith Rousselot December 4, 2020

Commuting in a pandemic world

Michelle Diaz December 3, 2020

Battling food insecurities during a pandemic

Courtney Guarino December 3, 2020

Adaptation

Justin McGown December 3, 2020

Honk!: Cars earn a special spot in 2020

Luana Harumi December 3, 2020

Working out looks very different during a pandemic

Chuyan Jiang December 2, 2020

One kitchen’s transformation in the age of isolation

Isabel Beer December 2, 2020

Nursing homes are filled with sadness and loss during pandemic shut down

Inga Parkel December 1, 2020

The show goes on

Norah Hogan December 1, 2020

Loyal members help keep independent cinemas afloat

Courtney Guarino December 1, 2020

Musicians deal with the reality of no live shows as covid takes center stage

Paola Michelle Ortiz December 1, 2020

 Black Friday’s Aftermath

Sughnen Yongo November 30, 2020

The Spirit of Little Haiti

Savannah Daniels October 14, 2020

Small business owners hope for future relief

Courtney Guarino October 2, 2020

Brooklyn Book Festival held virtually

Chuyan Jiang September 28, 2020

NYC Restaurant owners worry about maintaining business during winter 

Isabel Beer September 27, 2020

The pandemic is causing mental health struggles for many Latinos

Paola Michelle Ortiz September 24, 2020

Politically divided family can agree on one thing, rallies are bad during a pandemic

Michelle Diaz September 23, 2020

New Yorkers are vulnerable to mental issues due to pandemic

Sughnen Yongo September 23, 2020

Healthcare professionals struggle with Trump’s decisions during pandemic

Tori Luecking September 23, 2020

Some Americans Say “Not So Fast” on Operation Warp Speed

James Pothen September 23, 2020

Trump voters unfazed by morality of Trump’s Covid response

Norah Hogan September 22, 2020

Trump rallies continue, despite the rising Covid-19 death toll

Isabel Beer September 22, 2020

Latinos weigh in on President Trump’s management of the pandemic

Paola Michelle Ortiz September 21, 2020

Fast track vaccine causes fear

Kaity Assaf September 21, 2020

It’s business as usual at McSorley’s Old Ale House

Tori Luecking September 20, 2020

Trump defiance to hold indoor rallies amidst COVID-19 sparks polarized responses 

Courtney Guarino September 20, 2020

NYC Cafes and restaurants try and survive the pandemic

Isabel Beer September 19, 2020

A typical afternoon at Shade Bar NYC

Kaity Assaf September 19, 2020

West Village staple, Caffe Reggio, remains open for outdoor dining in the wake of coronavirus restrictions 

Norah Hogan September 19, 2020

Fort Greene’s Dino adds outdoor dining to keep business flowing

Courtney Guarino September 19, 2020