Caribbean Brunch Benefits ISWA Parking Project

The crisp autumn Sunday was perfect for hosting a family brunch that brought the community together over food and prayer. The second annual Islamic Society Washington Area Caribbean Brunch was organized by the Sister's Committee president Zaimoon Hassan and Reanna Gurwah on November 8, 2015. Imam Faizul Khan gave the opening dua, and Riyad Alie served as the Master of Ceremonies.
 
Four young students from the Saturday madrassah recited surahs followed by the English translation. Tabitha Ishmael, former secretary of the Sisters Commitee, was the keynote speaker. She recounted the origins of the organization with the first Guyanese and Trinidadian immigrants. They had the unique ability to teach Islam without rebuking or being negative. “Positive reinforcement is the best way to encourage and fill out masjid with the youth,” she said. 
 
 Imraan Mohamed, General Secretary of ISWA, updated the community on the parking lot extension status. A pre-construction permit has been issued by the Montgomery County Parks and Planning commission. The masjid hopes to have a new parking lot before next Ramadan.
 
Hasan then presented certificates of appreciation to Feroze and  Fazia Deen for their over 40 years of dedication and service in the Islamic spirit to the ISWA community. There smiling face would greet the congregation from the parking lot to the food tables. The family is relocating to Florida to be with their grandchildren and will be dearly missed by old and new ISWA members and guests.
 
The central feature were Caribbean treats such as Shark and Bake, a popular Trinidadian pocket sandwich served with condiments, found at beach shacks and street stalls throughout the island; Pepper Pot stew, a Guyanese national dish that is made with meat, strongly flavoured with cinnamon and the juice of a cassava called cassareep; Pine tarts, a pastry made with pineapple filling; and saltfish, fresh fish that has been salt-cured and dried until all the moisture has been extracted.
 
The decorations and all goods were donated by the sisters, shares Alie. All proceeds benefit ISWA Parking Lot Extension.