They are like Brian Muhammad of Huntsville, Ala., who made it a point to be here when the traditional Muslim call to prayer opened a full day of activities. This is what brings unity throughout our Islamic community. A nearly full moon hangs behind a veil of gray clouds. Heads crane to get a look at the empty podium. Every so often a small point of light from a videocamera illuminates a group of smiling faces.
Attire varies greatly.
It is the voice of Sheik Ahmad Tujanee of the Mosque Maryam, Chicago headquarters of the Nation of Islam. Across the crowd, heads bow. Hands extend, palms turn toward heaven. Then, the sheik's wailing calls echo once, twice throughout the Mall. Afterward, Clarence Muhammad of Richmond, Va., says that he heeds this ancient call to prayer every morning.