NORTHRIDGE : Muslims Gather at CSUN Oviatt Library Lawn

The men bowed in prayer on one side, the women on another--that’s the Muslim tradition.

But, if divided physically, they were united spiritually, as hundreds of Muslims converged on the Delmar T. Oviatt Library lawn at Cal State Northridge on Wednesday morning.

They came to celebrate a holiday, Eid Al-Adha, which commemorates the near sacrifice by the patriarch Abraham of his son--a story of God testing faith common to Jewish, Christian and Islamic Scriptures.

And they came to celebrate a heritage, which is still recuperating from a nation’s suspicion. Just three weeks ago, in the immediate aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, many had jumped to the conclusion that it was another attack by Middle Eastern terrorists.

People think “Muslims are some kind of monsters,” said Farishta Jalala, 20, of Panorama City. “They just hear the bad side of the Muslims, not the good side. Muslims get blamed for things other people do.”

In his speech after prayers, Ahmed El-Gabalawy, director of the Islamic Center of Northridge, didn’t refer specifically to Oklahoma City. He didn’t have to. Everyone knew what he meant.

“Some of us rushed to apologize, some of us concealed our identity, and some of us ran away,” El-Gabalawy said. “Dear Muslims, those who apologized, who ran away, who concealed their faith, are faint-hearted.”

Yet, in a broader sense, he wasn’t just speaking about recent events.

Fareed Ahmed of Chatsworth said the message could apply to any Muslims who have submerged their religious identity in order to assimilate into American culture.

“They find the need to adapt to Western names,” Ahmed said. “If you have a name, you should feel proud of it.”

He said that people used to call him Fred because it was more convenient, but he wouldn’t answer them.

El-Gabalawy led the prayer service, which featured frequent chants of “Allah Akbar” (God is great). Followers took off their shoes, and sat on blankets and sheets.

After the service, many hugged each other, and prepared for a day of feasting and visiting family and friends. The holiday also coincides with the annual pilgrimage to Muslim holy sites in Mecca.