At mosque, the most common phrase is 'you're welcome'

DURING the month of Ramadan, which began June 17 and ends July 17, the Islamic Society of Greater Valley Forge becomes a whirlwind of activity, with worshippers coming and going at nearly all hours of the day.

The mosque's musalla, or prayer room, is busy but quiet. At night, hundreds of worshippers pack the room shoulder-to-shoulder, led in prayer by a few young men who have memorized the entire 640-page Quran.

It's a welcoming place, even to curious visitors. "We don't ask 'Who are you? Are you Muslim?,' " said board member Mohammad Aziz. "If you say you are Muslim, you can pray. Even if you aren't Muslim, you can still pray and are allowed to come be a part of us."

Where we worship: The mosque, sometimes called the Devon mosque, is at 958 N. Valley Forge Road in Devon, not far from the Paoli SEPTA stop. The congregation once worshipped at a farmhouse and moved into its current building in 1995.

There's no dress code at the mosque, although women are expected to wear somewhat loose-fitting clothing and head scarves during prayer.

In general, Aziz said he doesn't like to force women to wear hijabs. "Scarf wearing is between you and your lord," he said. "If you are doing it to please your father or brothers, then it's not worship. It's forced."

Modesty in the musalla: Woman pray from behind a divider that separates the musalla into men's and women's sections. Like the use of scarves, it's mostly an expression of modesty, Aziz said.

Muslim daily prayer, called salat, requires worshippers to bend forward on their knees. From the back of the room there's less awkwardness about having your backside in the air.

One faith, two languages: Services at ISGVF are conducted in English, which is not the case at more traditional mosques. Salat prayers are said in Arabic.

Ramadan Mubarak . . . is a common phrase you may hear Muslims say as they greet one another during the month of Ramadan, which is believed to be the month when the Quran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad.

During the month, Muslims fast each day from 3:55 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. This is also a time when lying, cheating or talking behind someone's back is especially scorned.

What we believe: Like Christians and Jews, Muslims believe in one God, called Allah. The Quran is the "manual to live by" that helps worshippers differentiate between right and wrong, Aziz said.

What we struggle with: Misconceptions about Muslims. Although some "twist the words of the Quran," Aziz said, most Muslims are devout and peace-loving.

Good works: One of the faith's five important practices, known as the Five Pillars of Islam, is zakat, a mandatory tax (commonly 2.5 percent of one's excess wealth) that is given to Islamic charities to help the poor. ISGVF also donates food to local food banks and homeless shelters.

God is . . . merciful and kind, Aziz said. "He loves you 70 times more than a mother does."

Words of hope: "Hope is when you plant a tree and . . . you believe in it," Aziz said. "Hope is always there. As long as we live, there is always hope."