FAMILY TIME: Mohamed Abdul Azeez walks with wife Kauthar and daughter Zeyneb. The prayer leader at the SALAMÖ Islamic Center in Sacramento shaved his beard to appear less threatening. (Mark Boster / LAT) Aug 4, 2006
MOTIVATED: Marya Bangee, a student at UC Irvine, has become a political activist. She says the stereotyping of and misconceptions about Muslims fueled her decision. (Javier Manzano / LAT) Jul 28, 2006
SOCIAL GATHERING: Iftikhar Khan, standing, offers appetizers to his guests Mervat Othman, bottom right, and her husband Amer at his home in La Habra Heights. Khans wife Zubeida, on sofa, has become active in their community. (Stefano Paltera / For The Times) Jul 30, 2006
AFTER PRAYERS: Mohamed Abdul Azeez, right, greets Muslims at Islamic center in Sacramento. (Mark Boster / LAT) Aug 4, 2006
Friday afternoon the faithful gather at the SALAM (Sacramento Area League of Associated Muslims) Center in Sacramento for prayer. (Mark Boster / LAT) Aug 4, 2006