PASADENA, California (AP) — After serving a close-knit Muslim community for 42 years, Masjid Al-Taqwa in Altadena now stands as a mere sign bearing its name. The tragic loss occurred during one of the deadliest fires in the Los Angeles area in January. The devastating blaze left the congregation heartbroken and without a place to gather for prayers and communal meals during Ramadan.
In light of this hardship, around 20 mosque members and a few affiliated families recently gathered at a local Islamic school to pray and share a meal. This marked their first gathering since the fire. Many of those present are currently displaced, staying in motels or with relatives after losing their homes in the Eaton fire, which claimed 17 lives and destroyed thousands of homes and over 14,000 acres across Los Angeles County.
With Ramadan fast approaching, the community received a glimmer of hope from their volunteer imam, Junaid Aasi. Dressed in traditional attire, Aasi informed the group that the New Horizon Islamic School would provide space for prayers and meals four nights a week during Ramadan. The news was met with relief and expressions of gratitude, as they uttered “Alhamdulillah,” translating to “praise be to God.”
Aasi emphasized the significance of coming together during Ramadan not just for prayer and sustenance but also for mutual support and assistance within the community. The imam, who has dedicated 25 years to volunteering at the mosque alongside his IT profession, recalled the cherished memories at Masjid Al-Taqwa, now reduced to ashes.
Despite the physical loss, the emotional toll on members remains profound. Many are still grappling with displacement and the trauma of witnessing their beloved mosque turn to rubble. Aaron Abdus-Shakoor, a founding member and current board president, recounted his personal loss of home and business properties following the fire. He highlighted the mosque’s evolution from a meeting place for Nation of Islam members in the 1970s to a diverse, inclusive Muslim community known as Masjid Al-Taqwa.
Over the years, the mosque has become a sanctuary and gathering place for its members, especially during Ramadan. For Salah Eddine Benatia, a recent immigrant from Algeria, Masjid Al-Taqwa had quickly become a second home before the tragic fire upended their sense of belonging.
As they navigate the challenges ahead, the community remains resilient, drawing strength from their unity and shared faith during this difficult time.
A community member shared his experience of taking the bus from Pasadena to attend prayers online. He expressed feeling warmly welcomed by the community and missing home, especially during Ramadan. The individual was saddened by the news of the mosque burning down but found solace in the sense of family and belonging in the new location.
Another resident, Farzana Asaduzzaman, described Ramadan at the mosque as a family affair, where everyone shared meals, fasted together, and engaged in various activities. Despite losing her home in the fire, she emphasized the strength of the community support system and the unity that would persist during Ramadan.
Mohammed AlDajani, a medical student, highlighted the mosque’s role in providing social and spiritual nourishment, especially since he had no nearby relatives or friends. The diverse membership of Masjid Al-Taqwa, representing various nationalities and ethnicities, stood out to him as unique and welcoming.
AlDajani recalled the emotional impact of a community project involving a mural of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, a significant symbol for him as a Palestinian American. The destruction of the Altadena mosque deeply affected him, as it was a place of solace and connection in the community.
As community members navigate the aftermath of the fire, they remain resilient and committed to rebuilding. Sakeenah Ali reflected on the loss of the school her children attended near the mosque and witnessed the devastation caused by the fire. Despite the challenges, she emphasized the importance of perseverance, unity, and continued prayer and connection within the community.
Support for Associated Press religion coverage is made possible through collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc.
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