As you may have read earlier, we had the amazing opportunity to attend a Muslim ceremony during Ramadan in Las Vegas. We were presented with a perfect follow up to this experience when we were in Switzerland. Except instead of the middle of Ramadan, we were at the end. It was a ceremony called Bay Ram. Also, this time instead of gathering at sunset, we gathered at sunrise! It was a sacrifice… but it was worth it!

Fifteen of our cast made the sacrifice to wake up before the sun did and drive to the next town for this ceremony. We arrived and were greeted with the same warm hospitality as the last time. We drank coffee with the few that were there and then finally made our way to the balcony. At this ceremony, we did not participate, but we observed instead. The room slowly began to fill with men. With in thirty minutes, the entire facility was full. It was easily 700 people in there! We later found out that all the women were at home, preparing food for a three day celebration that was to take place following the ceremony.

We learned a lot of new things from this mosque, thanks to our friend Nadir. Nadir was our “guide” through Bayram. He answered all of our questions and filled us in on the history and issues this mosque has. Compared to the Las Vegas mosque where the congregation was full of many middle eastern countries, this mosque was full of eastern European countries. So the ceremony was done at two separate times, once in Arabic and once in Albanian. This mosque also had a time for the non-members to learn the meaning of the prayer and the actions that one does when one prays.

The differences were unique, yet the beliefs were the same. It is so amazing to me when you can be half a world away and yet still believe the same thing. It really is not that profound, but for some reason it really hits me. I think of this world as being so huge, yet experiencing these two mosques makes this huge place seem more personal and communal. It is extremely comforting. I think that is why I have loved the mosques so much. They provide a feeling of community in such a world that can seem so impersonal and easy to get lost in.

I also find Islam fascinating. I think in the USA I had such a negative view of Islam and Muslims, but these experiences hae opened my eyes to the beauty of these people. Their hospitality, open-mindedness, willingness to share, egarness to learn, their dedication, discipline, and understanding are all characteristics that have both touched and inspired me. This inspiration is what I am most grateful for.

Since my experiences at the mosque, I have really been inspired to learn more about Muslims and I too have tried to practice these inspiring characteristics that have touched my heart.