A Prayer at a Braiding Salon

In New York City, we all live in a place where we all make ourselves home and express who we are and what we do.  Especially, do the things we are custom to do no matter if its private or public view.  Such as prayers for instances.  I usually see Christians like myself pray publicly in  restaurants, meetings and other places at most.  However, I never seen any Muslim praying in public places or business before.  I always thought Muslims pray mostly in mosque or private places.  Until recently, I was wrong about that idea.

In late June, I decided to go get my hair done in jumbo box braids in an African braiding salon located at East Harlem.  It was summertime, so of course the weather would be hot and humid in the city; having big, long hair extensions was a “no no” for me.  When I arrived at the salon, there was a hand full of Senegalese braiders conversing with each other in French while working.  Just when I thought I would have to wait for a longer time for my turn because it was late afternoon which was a busiest time to get braids, an available braider called for me to be seated.

 While getting my hair braided, I noticed another braider just finished braiding her client’s hair and started sweeping the floor around her work area which was located at the back corner of the room of the salon.  After she finished cleaning up, she went to a closet and pulled out enormous red scarf and began creating a headwear, covering her head to down below her knees.  At first, I didn’t realized she was Muslim based on clothing she was wearing; a white t-shirt with blue jeans.  However, majority of Senegalese are mostly Muslim.  Another thought was “that’s pretty huge to be a hijab.”  However, this style can be also considered to be a khimar.  “The Arabic word khimar means cover. Any cover is a khimar.  Equally, an item of clothing, be it a dress, a blouse, a scarf or any other item of clothing can be called a khimar, because it covers the body.” (True Islam)

 After she finished dressing up, she went towards the bottom shelve which close by her work station, open and pull out a rug.  Once she unraveled it on the floor in front a wall, she began praying.  It was very intriguing to be witness a Muslim's prayer and gave me an understanding of dedication of how much Muslims really care about Islam.  “Praying in public isn’t ideal but it’s often the only way Muslims—who pray five times a day—can avoid delaying the act.” (Basatneh).  In other words, no matter of the location, when it’s time to pray, it must be done which is big part of Islam.  The same way, I've care about praying before eating, sleeping or heading out to do my daily task, no matter where I am.  

 Basatneh, Alaa. “This Photo Series of Muslims Praying in Public Places Will Open Your Eyes.” Splinter, Splinternews.com, 4 Oct. 2016.   www.splinternews.com/this-photo-series-of-muslims-praying-in-public-places-w-1793862454. Web 31 Aug. 2017. 

“True Islam.” True Islam – Khomoorehenna. www.quranislam.org/main_topics/misinterpreted_verses/khomoorehenna_(P1226).html. Web 1 Sept. 2017.

Lovejoy Okang