Desiring to practice authentic Islam, a small group of 25 left the Nation of Islam on July 3, 1981 and held Jumaah in living room of one of the families on Hancock Street, Brooklyn, NY. The congregants chose a name: Masjid At Taqwa (God fearing) and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) on August 27, 1981. As the group grew, a need for adequate masjid space became imperative. They found vacant property on Bedford Avenue and Fulton Street (formerly barber shop, restaurant, and other stores). The new masjid property located at 1266 Bedford Avenue, was purchased on April 2, 1982 [deed recorded on May 27, 1982]. Currently the property is comprised by the Masjid, bakery, bookstore and two general Islamic merchandise stores.