Source: The Oregonian
On December 7, 2002 The Oregonian reported that "Muslims on Friday ushered out Ramadan, their holiest month, and kicked off a three-day celebration with prayers and parties across the Portland area. Mohamed Abdirahman Kariye, imam of The Islamic Center of Portland, gave the khutba, or sermon, to several hundred Muslims who nearly filled a gymnasium at Portland State University [PSU]. Their prayers marked the end of a month of sunrise-to-sunset fasting and the start of Eid al-Fitr, the feast of the breaking of the fast. In Vancouver, prayers at the Marshall Community Center drew hundreds of Muslims from North and Northeast Portland and Southwest Washington. In Beaverton, about 100 Shiite Muslims gathered in a one-story house that serves as their mosque. Most Muslims in the area and worldwide are Sunni Muslims, but both branches of Islam observe Ramadan and celebrate Eid al-Fitr... At PSU, American-born converts with sons and daughters spread colorful prayer rugs on the gym floor, alongside immigrants from Indonesia, Pakistan, Africa and the Middle East. As adults prayed, little girls in frilly dresses and boys in new suits giggled and played. The holiday trimmings of Eid al-Fitr are similar to Christmas: Parents give children new clothes, toys and money. After prayers Friday, families attended hourslong parties at friends' homes to share food and the holiday spirit."