ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, January 25, 1997 TAG: 9701270019
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: in religion
SOURCE: MARY LOU BRUTON
This is the holy month of Ramadan, observed by Muslim believers as a period of daily fasting, daily reading of one-thirtieth of the Koran, and prayer. The chief prophet and founder of Islam, or the Muslim religion, was Mohammed, who is recorded as having received the inspiration of God for the Koran from the angel Gabriel during the month of Ramadan some 1,400 years ago. The fasting and the other disciplines observed at this time are not meant to punish mankind, but to help understand the goodness of the gifts God has given to the world.
The Islamic Society of the New River Valley, 1302 N. Main St. in Blacksburg, is looking forward to the completion of a new mosque, which is being completed at the present location and will accommodate 50 to 60 worshippers at the weekly services. Those seeking more information about Islam may call the society at 961-5210, or Ali Nayfeh, at 552-2158 or 231-5453.
Activities for this week:
The Rev. Chris Michael was installed as the pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Narrows on Sunday. Visiting participants in the service included the Rev. Jim Lowe, former interim pastor; the Rev. John Michael, the new pastor's father, of Carlton, Ga.; and the Rev. William Ryan and the Rev. Narka Ryan, interim regional ministers of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Virginia. Michael comes to Narrows after serving a church in Georgia and doing graduate study in theology at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga.
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"Revival in the Land," a contemporary Christian drama, will be presented at 6 p.m. Feb. 2 at Big Spring Baptist Church, Elliston. The youth of Rainbow Forest Baptist Church in Roanoke will perform in the musical. A chili supper will be served at 5 p.m. Both events are free.
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