Muslims come together to mark Ramadan

During Islam’s holy month, the faithful gather each Sunday at a local center to break the fast.Fasting from dawn until dusk during the holy month of Ramadan is a common practice for those who follow the teachings of the Koran.

It is, perhaps, the most widely recognized component of the annual observance. And Iftar -- the fast-breaking ceremony -- often is the most joyous time of day for Muslims.

Inside the Islamic Education Center of Orange County, a one-level building near John Wayne Airport, throngs of Ramadan observers congregate Sunday evenings to dine together and share in ceremonial prayer.

Visitors enter the center with family members of all ages and group themselves by gender as they take their spots around long, slender cloths placed on the floor.

Muslims from across Southern California come to the Costa Mesa center each evening during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, which marks the time when it is believed the Koran was delivered to the prophet Muhammad.

Sunday nights are particularly festive here because the center offers a free meal -- and a chance to unite.

“Ramadan is a very special season,” said Imam Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini. “We are busy throughout the whole year and are unable to see and visit with each other. This offers the opportunity to renew our social relationships and ties with friends in the community.”

For some, Ramadan is a chance to introduce young ones to cultural and religious practices. Muzhgan Ashrafi and Mary Kelly sat on adjacent couches and chatted outside the sanctuary as their children frolicked inside a makeshift play room.

The center offers special programs for youth on the weekends, Kelly said. It’s recommended that families come together for Ramadan ceremonies and celebrations.

With all the commotion taking place outside the prayer room, it can be difficult to concentrate on contemplation -- a major aspect of Ramadan.

Kelly said she manages to find time for introspection.

“It’s a spiritual cleansing,” Kelly said. “A time to rethink the year and make positive changes in life and become closer to Allah.”

During the month, Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours. But Fountain Valley resident Aamer Kheder said depriving oneself isn’t the biggest challenge.

Acting in a pious manner and following through on promises of self-improvement are the larger focuses, he said.

“Your whole behavior changes,” Kheder said. “You become more tolerant and watch what you say.”

Anaheim resident Essa Hilali said Ramadan is not just about self-actualization; it’s also a time to show appreciation.

“People are struggling all over the world,” Hilali said. “All year we enjoy food. For this month, we feel how it is to be someone who can’t eat every day. We are thankful for everything we have.”

This year, Al-Qazwini said the Pakistani earthquake and the Gulf Coast hurricanes have been obvious topics.

“I embedded in my speeches these topics and touched on why these disasters happen,” he said.

Center visitors have donated to both causes, Al-Qazwini said.

Each night during Ramadan, he reads passages from the Koran and provides commentary. Visitors tend to come on consecutive evenings to hear Al-Qazwini’s sermons.

“It’s all linked together like a chain,” he said. “They don’t want to miss anything in the middle.”

Throughout the year, there are five designated times each day for Muslims to pray. During Ramadan, there are three nights -- each called the “Night of Destiny” -- when it is believed that the Koran was revealed.

From sundown until sunrise on these evenings, the Islamic Center of Orange County offers prayer sessions. There is also a post-midnight meal.

Ramadan ends in early November with the celebration of Eid, a day of rejoicing that begins with early morning prayer. Gifts are exchanged and large meals are traditionally prepared.

“It’s a day of family celebration -- one that kids enjoy the most,” Al-Qazwini said.

* ELIA POWERS is the enterprise and general assignment reporter. He may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or by e-mail at elia.powers@latimes.com.

20051018iojcciknDOUGLAS ZIMMERMAN / DAILY PILOT(LA)Members of the Islamic Educational Center of Orange County share a meal after fasting during daylight hours Sunday in observance of the holy month of Ramadan.