Vendor makes a living by selling products to mosque-goers

AMMAN — Ahmad Al Qassem arrived in his Mercedes station wagon outside Al Wifaq Mosque in Amman’s Tlaa Al Ali area as people were heading to perform the afternoon prayer. 

He unloaded boxes from the car and started arranging a collection of clothes on the sidewalk, waiting for worshippers to leave the mosque to check out the products he sells. 

The collection included shirts, trousers, underwear, socks and winter jackets. 

Qassem told The Jordan Times that he is a regular street vendor outside the mosque, and that the items he sells are of good quality and affordable prices. 

Prices of shirts, he said, range between JD7 and JD10. 

“Most of the people who pray at this mosque are regular customers,” he said. 

People who were on their way to the mosque were greeting Qassem and asking him if he would be showcasing new products. 

Nearly 15 minutes later, worshippers left the mosque and stopped by to see the collection the vendor was displaying. 

A customer was interested in buying a coat. He tried it on and then started bargaining with Qassem to receive the best price. 

The vendor asked for JD25. But the costumer offered only JD15. 

At the end of the bargain, which is a common practice in Jordan, a deal was made. 

The coat was sold for JD18. 

Qassem is one of many street vendors who choose to display their items, such as food, clothes and vegetables, outside mosques, particularly during Friday prayers.