 Muslims around the globe are in the midst of the holy month of Ramadan, and that was evidence Saturday night in Prestonsburg, where the Islamic center of eastern Kentucky held potluck dinner to break the days fast. Fasting is the primary way in which Ramadan is observed. And we started our fast before first light, so we fast all day without eating or drinking. So Ramadan is prescribed for Muslims, and in the Qur'an, which is the holy book for Muslims, God talks about how He prescribed it for other religious communities as well. So it's following, like for example, Christians have lent. There are different types of fasts, right? And so for Muslims, Ramadan is the fast that is prescribed for them by God. But as soon as the sun goes down, which was at 8.52 Saturday night, food begins to flow. At sunset, those gathered first enjoy a light snack consisting largely of fruits and water, that is followed by a group and individual prayer, and then a full dinner. Like the worshippers who attend the Islamic center, the foods served represent a number of nationalities, from the Middle East to South Asia and beyond. The atmosphere is welcoming to all cultures, including to non-Muslims who attend out of fellowship or curiosity. And those who attend the Islamic center say it is important for them to welcome outsiders in order to combat negative stereotypes about Muslims. Every religion has its extremists, people that will twist that message to their own ends. We want to be beacons for what we understand Islam to be, which is about spreading peace and love. Like the Christian Easter, Ramadan follows a lunar cycle, so its date varies from year to year. This year the holy month began on May 26th and ends on June 24th. Reporting from Prestonsburg, I'm Ralph Davis for EKB News.