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Muslims Lose Breathing Room, Keep Faith

Muslims facing a lack of worship space lease a Jewish synagogue in Reston, prompting an unexpected cultural exchange.

A Muslim family walks into the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation in Reston, Va. Many area mosques are bursting at the seams as worshipers prepare for the start of Ramadan on Saturday.

A Muslim family walks into the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation in Reston, Va. Many area mosques are bursting at the seams as worshipers prepare for the start of Ramadan on Saturday.

Marcus Yam-The Washington Post

Abdul Ahamed, right, unfolds prayer sheets with his son, Rakib Ahamed, 13, while his other son, Wali Ahamed, 7, looks on.

Abdul Ahamed, right, unfolds prayer sheets with his son, Rakib Ahamed, 13, while his other son, Wali Ahamed, 7, looks on.

Marcus Yam-The Washington Post

A man crouches during Friday prayers at the synagogue. Some in the Jewish congregation had reservations about leasing space for Islamic services. But their rabbi supported the arrangement.

A man crouches during Friday prayers at the synagogue. Some in the Jewish congregation had reservations about leasing space for Islamic services. But their rabbi supported the arrangement.

Marcus Yam-The Washington Post

The Muslim congregation prays as Rabbi Robert Nosanchuk, left foreground, observes. "The prophet Isaiah said our houses would be houses of prayer for all people," Nosanchuk says.

The Muslim congregation prays as Rabbi Robert Nosanchuk, left foreground, observes. "The prophet Isaiah said our houses would be houses of prayer for all people," Nosanchuk says.

Marcus Yam-The Washington Post

The Muslim congregation bows their heads. Faced with a lack of space, local Muslim communities have started renting hotel ballrooms, office space and, yes, even synagogues to handle the overflow.

The Muslim congregation bows their heads. Faced with a lack of space, local Muslim communities have started renting hotel ballrooms, office space and, yes, even synagogues to handle the overflow.

Marcus Yam-The Washington Post

A Hebrew plaque hangs on the synagogue wall. Ramadan, the busiest time of Muslim calendar, begins Saturday.

A Hebrew plaque hangs on the synagogue wall. Ramadan, the busiest time of Muslim calendar, begins Saturday.

Marcus Yam-The Washington Post

Women pray in the rear. Researchers say the Muslim population in America is growing rapidly, driven by conversions, immigration, and the tendency for Muslims to have larger families.

Women pray in the rear. Researchers say the Muslim population in America is growing rapidly, driven by conversions, immigration, and the tendency for Muslims to have larger families.

Marcus Yam-The Washington Post

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