Wasatch Front Muslims are observing Ramadan

A native of Pakistan, Ahmed said he has arranged with his employer to take time off on Fridays, because that's when weekly prayers at the mosque take place, but he makes up the time. "We believe in that, because if we cheat on our time, what we say at the mosque is not really a prayer. Everyone who manages to come to the mosque on Friday either doesn't get paid, or they make it up in some way."

During Ramadan, between 200 and 300 people attend the nightly prayers at Khadeeja, with the number growing by up to 100 on Friday or Saturday, he said. "We start at 8:30 in the evening and go until 10:15," after which there is feasting with family and friends, since part of Ramadan dictates that Muslims are obligated to fast during daylight hours.

The celebrating is done on a community level as well, with at least two group events scheduled. On Oct. 23, the Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake will host an evening "break-the-fast" at the Copperview Community Center in Midvale, designed for Muslim families who want to celebrate with others.

The largest celebration will be Nov. 2 or 3 — again depending on the sighting of the moon — when Ramadan ends. This year, an expected 6,000 Muslims will gather at the South Towne Expo Center to mark the end of the monthlong fasting with a feast for all, Ahmed said.

Though it's the busiest time of the year for Muslim religious leaders, known as imams, "people are more happy," despite the daylight fasting. "They like to invite each other to share food, and everyone wants to share his bread with someone."

Utahns not familiar with Muslim fasting or feasting are often curious if a co-worker, friend or neighbor is participating, Ahmed said.

In an attempt to capitalize on the interest, Darvish said the Muslim Forum is considering a variety of ways to reach out to the wider community in an attempt to educate people who are interested. The holidays are centered on self-restraint, including abstinence from food, drink and sexual relations from dawn to dusk, as well as creating a sense of unity, oneness and charity. Many seek to do good deeds or make extra charitable donations.

In partnership with the local Islamic Society, the groups are considering a billboard project along major freeways aimed at promoting goodwill between Muslims and neighbors, that may feature a saying on charity or kindness from Mohammed or the Quran, with a the tagline, "a message from your Muslim neighbors." A donation drive is currently underway within the community to see if the funding can be collected to make it happen, he said.