Denny Siregar Sings Tarawih Prayers In New York's Times Square Annoying People, Shamsi Ali: This Is Part Of Religious Freedom

Youtube screenshot (SANYC)

JAKARTA - The tarawih prayer performed by Muslims in the open, Times Square, New York, has gone viral on social media, Twitter. Shamsi Ali, an imam at the Islamic Center of New York, said that Tarawih prayers are commonplace.

"That's part of religious freedom. Not because there are no mosques. There are 300 mosques in the city of NY. But it purely expresses one's existence, as well as izzah (not ashamed/fearful) as a Muslim in this city," said Ali via his Twitter page, @ShamsiAli2 reported Monday, April 4.

This tweet was conveyed by Shamsi Ali as well as answering the sarcasm of social media activist, Denny Siregar. Through his Twitter, Denny wondered why the Tarawih prayers were actually performed in the open even though many mosques had been prepared.

"How come you don't want to be blasphemed? You've been given a good mosque, and it's even bothering people... Then if you are flicked, you play chopping," explained Denny to @Dennysiregar7.

Shamsi Ali added, in addition to the Tarawih prayers, there are also activities that are often carried out by Muslims who live in New York, namely the Islamic parade. Most importantly, this activity is commonplace.

Friends, last night's tarawih prayer at Time Square is a common thing in NY. That's part of religious freedom. Not because of the lack of a mosque. There are 300 mosques in the city of NY. But it purely expresses existence, as well as izzah (not ashamed/fearful) as a Muslim in this city. pic.twitter.com/kfbqJGZfrq

— Imam Shamsi Ali (@ShamsiAli2) April 3, 2022

"There are two photos that I posted here. One, the tarawih event last night. Incidentally I didn't participate because I was also busy at the mosque. Another Islamic Parade which I happened to lead before the Pandemic. So this is normal. The police help close the road and maintain security, " he explained.