News Story - Idaho State Journal

POCATELLO -- Ali Khan said fellow Muslims came from as far as Twin Falls and Salt Lake City to participate in a celebration Saturday at Idaho State University that signified the end of Ramadan

Khan, who is president of ISU's Muslim Student Association, said the group has been holding the annual celebration for 25 years. He said during most of those year the event was inclusive of organization members, but for the past three years has been open to the public to allow Muslims from around the region to gather together.

Ramadan is the monthlong Islamic observance of when God revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims observe the event by fasting throughout the month from sunrise to sunset, which is meant to teach the person patience, sacrifice and humility.

Nearly 100 people attended Saturday's celebration. Khan, who is also vice president of the Islamic Society of Southeastern Idaho, said the afternoon was about unity.

"It doesn't matter where we are coming from," he said. "When we gather to pray in a few minutes, everyone will stand in one straight line and follow one leader, signifying the unity."

Ebraheem Gibbons, president of the Islamic Society of Southeastern Idaho, spoke to those in attendance after the afternoon prayer was completed. He said the day was one in which all Muslims throughout the world gathered to celebrate.

"It's also important that we may learn self-restraint," Gibbons said. "Through self-restraint, Muslims become stronger and a light to the world."

By Jimmy Hancock

This document was originally published online on Sunday, October 05, 2008

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