Prayer has been a source of solace for people at Masjid-Ur-Rahmah Mosque in the Bronx. Fifteen of the 17 people who died three years ago during the Twin Parks apartment fire worshipped there.
“Our faith in Allah, in God, for the people who are in heaven — our faith in Him [has] help[ed] us to be strong, to know that we came from Him and we are all going back to him,” Imam Musa Kabba said.
What You Need To Know
- Fifteen of the 17 people who died three years ago during the Twin Parks apartment fire worshipped at Masjid-Ur-Rahmah Mosque
- The fire was sparked by a space heater. Problems with self closing doors allowed smoke to spread through the building
- Following the fire, Mayor Eric Adams signed five pieces of legislation into law, strengthening fire enforcement and providing education and outreach
Kabba leads the mosque. He says it’s that faith that’s kept many of his worshippers who have lost loved ones going.
“We are not here to remain. We all will die, but we don’t want anyone to die like this,” Kabba said.
Thursday was a frigid night, much like the one three years ago when a space heater sparked, causing the massive blaze at the high-rise complex.
Eight of the victims were children. Faulty self-closing doors allowed smoke to spread through the building.
Worshippers and community members marked the day of remembrance by gathering at the mosque to honor all the lives lost.
“One thing that has helped is the community coming behind us, giving us support, praying with us,” Haji Dukuray said.
Dukuray lost his niece, his niece’s husband, and their three children in the fire. He says the community support has helped his family during the healing process, which hasn’t been easy.
“It’s tough. It feels like it just happened yesterday. I know it’s three years ago, but the wound is still very raw,” Dukuray said.
The Dukuray family is turning that pain into purpose. They’ve built wells in their native Gambia for poor communities in remembrance of their loved ones, and to honor all the lives cut short.
Following the fire, Mayor Eric Adams signed five pieces of legislation into law, strengthening fire enforcement and providing education and outreach.