#devon ave

I'll never forget when sisters in Devon Steet told me they go pray at Iqraa Books. Only men pray at the local masjid "because there's no space for women." And the owners of Iqraa were upset and allowed Friday prayer to be held at their bookstore. Does that divide the community? No. Oppressing your women does. When I'm in Devon, I go pray at Tahoora Bakery (after my chai and gulab jammun of course) because they have a masjid on the lower level (separate rooms for men and women!). May Allah reward these small bussinessfolk for picking up the slack the masjids have dropped.

Chand raating on Devon with my friends and our daughters. Just went to the masjid we go to pray in every time that's next to Khan BBQ [Masjid-e-Ayesha] and we got denied permission. Let me say this again. Denied permission to pray. I stood my ground and argued until management came who did not grant my request. Then an uncle who was standing there felt bad and I look at him and go "This is ridiculous all we want to do is pray," and then he was kind enough to take us up to his shop and let us pray there. Enraging though.

On Devon Ave the other day with my cousin and my mom. We go to that masjid by Khan BBQ - the green light one you posted a few weeks ago. As soon as we go down the stairs, this eight year old boy - EIGHT YEAR OLD BOY - stops us with his friends and goes, "No room for ladies. No room for ladies." My cousin, me and my mom were literally speechless and then an elderly uncle comes and very kindly allows us through, and reprimands the kid and goes, "No, they are welcome." Icing on the cake: he came back after we were done to check that we prayed ok, etc. Whoever thought that uncle could save the day? And that they brainwash these kids at such a young age. Unbelievable. I just kept shaking my head over and over again all night thinking about that little boy.