Newburgh mosque filled for Friday prayers during Ramadan

CITY OF NEWBURGH — Men and boys in twos and threes filed into Masjid Al Ikhlas for the first Friday prayers of Ramadan.

The Islamic month of fasting began on Wednesday, and Muslims who are healthy enough will abstain from food and water during daytime hours.

It's the first Ramadan in Newburgh for the mosque's new imam, Mohemmed Murtado Abubakar. The 42-year-old native of Ghana moved into his new post two weeks ago following a stint in Harlem. Eventually, he would like to return home, but he's enjoyed getting to know the community.

"I like it," Abubakar said.

He succeeded Salahuddin Muhammad, the masjid's longtime imam who retired at the end of June and moved to North Carolina. Newburgh isn't nearly as crowded as Harlem and seems quieter, Abubakar said.

The mosque, however, filled up quickly on Friday. More than 100 people gathered in the men's portion of the Washington Terrace building. Young boys crowded in next to their fathers on the carpeted floors. Ziploc bags stuffed with dates waited for them at the entrance.

Abubakar told them the holy month is a time of charity and unity for Muslims across the world.

"We fast at the same time," he said. "We break fast at the same time."

Ahmed Rehman, treasurer of Masjid Al Ikhlas, said Ramadan is also a time to ask forgiveness and right the wrongs of the previous 11 months.

"This is the best time of the year to get extra credit, for lack of a better word," Rehman said.

Along with fasting, which begins about 3:30 or 4 a.m., Muslims are also encouraged to donate and help others. Abubakar said they are called on to pray, recite the Quran and take care of their fellow man, especially the elderly and sick.

The month will last 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle.

dmurphy@th-record.com