Area Muslims retain their faith despite hardships

Tim Habbouch of Baton Rouge washes his feet, hands, head and face prior to the start of evening prayers at the Islamic Center of Baton Rouge. For Muslims it is necessary to wash in an always-specific manner the parts of the body generally exposed to dirt or dust or smog.

Emad Nofal, top right, chairman of the board of directors at the Islamic Center of Baton Rouge, leads afternoon prayer for approximately 250 area Muslims on Aug. 31 in the center’s new mosque in Baton Rouge.

Tim Habbouch of Baton Rouge reads his Quran prior to the start of afternoon prayers.

Emad Nofal, chairman of the board of directors at the Islamic Center of Baton Rouge, leads afternoon prayer Aug. 31 inside the center’s new mosque.