Visitors enter the center with family members of all ages and group themselves by gender as they take their spots around long, slender cloths placed on the floor.
Muslims from across Southern California come to the Costa Mesa center each evening during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, which marks the time when it is believed the Koran was delivered to the prophet Muhammad.
Sunday nights are particularly festive here because the center offers a free meal -- and a chance to unite.
"Ramadan is a very special season," said Imam Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini. "We are busy throughout the whole year and are unable to see and visit with each other. This offers the opportunity to renew our social relationships and ties with friends in the community."
For some, Ramadan is a chance to introduce young ones to cultural and religious practices. Muzhgan Ashrafi and Mary Kelly sat on adjacent couches and chatted outside the sanctuary as their children frolicked inside a makeshift play room.
The center offers special programs for youth on the weekends, Kelly said. It's recommended that families come together for Ramadan ceremonies and celebrations.
With all the commotion taking place outside the prayer room, it can be difficult to concentrate on contemplation -- a major aspect of Ramadan.
Kelly said she manages to find time for introspection.
"It's a spiritual cleansing," Kelly said. "A time to rethink the year and make positive changes in life and become closer to Allah."
During the month, Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours. But Fountain Valley resident Aamer Kheder said depriving oneself isn't the biggest challenge.
Acting in a pious manner and following through on promises of self-improvement are the larger focuses, he said.
"Your whole behavior changes," Kheder said. "You become more tolerant and watch what you say."
