Three nights ago, my friends and I went to Al Omari Mosque in Edmonton to say Isha and Taraweeh prayers. The parking was not only full, but had a lot of cars, ours included, circulating to find a spot missed by the others. When at last we thought we got the blind spot, a parking attendant approached us and informed us politely that the “blind spot” was actually a private parking not owned by the mosque. He told us that those already parked there did it wrong. We had to park outside the mosque parameters, costing us a couple of minutes of walk back to the mosque.
While in the mosque, the problem of parking violations were mentioned twice, one of which referred to a similar talk one night before. More importantly, the administration of the mosque mentioned that the issue remains hot in every Friday congregation. As believers park into private parkings or slots specifically marked for customers of fast food franchises and other businesses in the complex, the mosque continues to receive complaints.
I undetstand how difficult it is for the believing men and women to rush eating their Iftar, navigate their way through traffic, and try to find a parking spot. I find it commendable, Alhamdulilaah, that regardless of the 19 hours of fasting, unchanged work routines, and under the stress of living and working in a modern city, Muslims still pray Taraaweeh in large numbers and with family members. I envy such iimaan and steadfastness, maanshaa Allaah. When everything about the environment challenges the relationship that Muslims hold deep in their heart, they rise to the moment and strive to show their Lord He alone deserves worship however difficult or inconvenient it may seem.
However, the parking violations are still there. Parking represents the manners in managing worldly affairs. In other instances, I heard some mosques advising believers not to hold any mini conferences around the mosque as neighbors complained about noise and the police got involved.
While we all rush with good intentions, prudence demands a few more minutes just to tie up well your worldly necessities before you can assuredly stand in His presence. You cannot park your car in violation of other people’s property in pursuit of parking your soul in divine presence. Who knows if your ajar is greater in seeking the right parking than in a prayer?
As many of the property owners are not Muslims, we should be extra careful as somebody may just pass a judgment on Muslims or Islam. None of us want to be that excuse in someone’s reasoning about not accepting Muslims or Islam, “…because they don’t respect other people’s property.” More importantly, Allah knows who is being referred to here…
May we all get the forgiveness and mercy of the Ever-Forgiving and Ever-Merciful in this blessed month of Ramadan.
Maydhane 
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