Gothamist – Before last Friday’s gathering, Mohammad Abul Khair, 49, and Mohammed Moinuddin, 51, blocked the entrance to Chester Avenue from Louisa Street and Church Avenue. They laid prayer mats on the street as crowds of local worshippers arrived to pray.

“This Muslim community, we’ve really embraced taking to the streets for our faith and to keep our neighbors safe,” said Councilmember Shahana Hanif, who represents the Kensington neighborhood. “It’s really a community builder.”

Hanif helped the mosque with its application for an open street. The Department of Transportation allows the road to be closed between noon and 3 p.m. on Fridays. The open street permit must be renewed every year. [Read More]