Masjid Sunnat-ul-Jamaat

Sunnat-ul-Jamaat beginning, in the mid-70s, a small group of about 20 Muslims from the Caribbean (Trinidad), males & females, used to meet at different homes in Brooklyn & Manhattan to conduct religious functions, including Eid celebrations & other religious events. In March 1976, they formed a corporation with its address at 1011 Barbey Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207.During the 80s, the core group continued to meet mainly in Brooklyn in the basement, at the residence of Brother Shamshudeen Mohammed, the then president. Later, the base of operations moved to Queens at the home of Brother Shafeek, the brother of the current vice president Brother Nazir Rahaman, where a new board was formed, serving for about 2 years and conducting various religious activities. In June 1998, the corporation filed for legal non-profit with the state under the original name Sunnat-ul-Jamaat of NY Inc. The previous executives were Satar Mohammed – Imam; Hajji Evans-Khan – President; and Esau T. Baksh – Treasurer.

In this period, a major fundraiser was organized at the former Sophie roti shop to raise funds to purchase a building to house a masjid for the Muslim group. Meanwhile, activities of the group continued at the home of Brother Hydar Ali, then Public Relations Officer (PRO), operating there for about 2 years. Another 2 years were spent at Brother Shafiat Ali (Carpet Bird) premises. In November 1998, the group bought the building at 112-03 101 Avenue, S Richmond Hill, Queens. Subsequently, a board decision was made to upgrade and renovate the property.

The Present:

At our general elections held in January 2020, a new board was elected. The board is comprised of (10) brothers. The executives of the current board are the President – Aftaab Ali, Secretary – Wazir Mohammed; and Treasurer – Fazil Khan.  Our masjid is open to the public for 5-time daily Salah, including Jum’ah services. Also held at the masjid are several Islamic education & Tarbiyyah programs for the community, including Sunday madrasah for children ages 5-16. These programs are well attended with potential for growth and development. There is a Sisters Committee, which is led by an Ameera, where monthly meetings are held at the masjid. We continue to maintain the premises and upgrade it, in order to make it compliant with NYC law and user friendly.Our masjid premises are available to the community for religious functions, nikah service, etc. Please contact any of the executives if you are interested.

The Future:

The new board envision a bright & progressive future for Sunnat-ul-Jamaat of NY Inc. We would like to continue rebuilding our Jamaa’ah & have our masjid realize its full potential in serving the wider Muslim community, providing Islamic education, da’wah (inviting others to Islam), humanitarian projects, and establishing more committees like a Youth group.In terms of immediate objectives, we wish to bring the jamaat back together, stronger than before after the pandemic of Covid-19. Our vision is to safely reopen again for the (5) daily salah & for Juma’h. We wish to continue with our fund-raising projects which helps in covering some of the cost of our yearly operating expenses. We cannot do all of these things without the help and guidance of Allah, your generous participation, contributions, and your continued donations. On behalf of the masjid board I wish to thank all those who have participated in our programs, assisting us with donations etc. towards this masjid. I pray that Allah SWT multiply all your blessings, Ameen.

Wazir Mohammed: Secretary.