Sunday, September 21, 2008

Islam's Legacy in Yankee Stadium


(Book Cover From Author Sctt Pitoniak's Book)
As we prepare to witness the demolition of one of New York City's greatest landmarks, the Yankee Stadium, I am reminded of the interfaith service held there after the attacks on 9/11 at the World Trade Center, Washington, and Pennsylvania.

This CNN article mentions the following contribution by Muslims planned by the event organizers:

"The Adhan Call to Prayer will be made by the Muezzin, Brother Abdul Wali Y. Shaheed, translated by Sister Zaimah Sabree and Masjid Malcolm Shabazz of Harlem.

Muslim prayer and reflection then will be offered: a prayer by Imam Fajri Ansari, a prayer by Imam Muhammad Shamsi-Ali and a reflection by Imam Izak-EL M. Pasha, a chaplain of the New York Police Department, with Lt. Sharif Nasef and Officer Adil Almonpaser."

My dear readers: as a Muslim and as a New Yorker in the diaspora, I remember the lump in my throat, the tears in my eyes, and the goose bumps on my arms when I heard the Adhan called in Yankee Stadium. It absolutely blew me away and pride and hope. I knew then that I was witnessing something incredible. Something I would never witness again on such a large scale.

Yankee Stadium seats approximately 57,000 people with room for more if needed. Additionally, the entire global community was able to hear this incredible event as it was broadcasted.
"Verily, from Allah we come and unto Him we shall return."
Thank you, Allah (swt), for ALL of your creation, including the Yankee Stadium/Ameen.

9 comments:

Desert Housewife A. (The Canadian in Jubail) said...

Asalaam `alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakato

Hey Sis, do you have a link to a video or somewhere I can watch this?

Jazaki Allah khair :-D

Safiyyah said...

Wa Alaikum As Salaam Sis:

I'm not sure if there is one; I'll try to Google around for a link when I have a moment, Insha Allah. It would be soooo nice if the entire service where available somewhere on line. I remember watching it on TV.

American Muslima Writer said...

SUBHAN ALLAH ! ! !
That sounds so absolutly amazing I got goosebumps too!

Bosnian hijab girl said...

Salam for you

Amina said...

Eid Mubarak Sis!

May Allah bless you with happiness, love and peace.

Suzan Abrams, email: suzanabrams@live.co.uk said...

What lovely writing!
I hope to learn a lot from you, safiyyah. I will link both you and ummaaz, if you don't mind.

Safiyyah said...

Welcome Suzan! Of course I don't mind. I look forward to learning from you, too!

iMuslimah said...

Wow-

Salams dear Saffiyah ;) SOrry for my absence. Been busy with the little guy and work.

I did not know that about Yankee Stadium, and Im a New Yawkah! Well, Long Islander to be more exact ;)

Are u in NY too?

Safiyyah said...

Salaams iMuslimah!

Glad to see you back!

No, I'm not in New York now; I am in Pennsylvania. But I still have people in Brooklyn. I was born in the Bronx.

"New York, New York: so nice they named it twice!"