Observers of several faiths gathered at the nearly completed Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley in Rowland Heights on Aug. 20 to break the month-long Islamic fasting period known as Ramadan.

Hundreds of Muslims and Christians enjoyed a meal, called iftar, together at sunset to mark the end of the Muslim holy month.

“It’s very heartwarming to see that many of you came from different areas to break our fast, and it means a lot to us,” Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley President Arif Rizvi said.
Dignitaries such as Rep. Gary Miller, R-Brea, and council members from Walnut and Diamond Bar joined in the celebration. Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca provided a keynote address.

The Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley, 19164 E. Walnut Drive North, is undergoing a massive metamorphosis as a new 40,000-square-foot, three-story center nears completion.

Tentatively scheduled to open in February or March of next year, it will replace an 8,000-square-foot facility the center has been using for nearly 30 years, Islamic center Secretary Ashraf Jakvani said.

Read more in Brian Day’s story Mosque.