From Agence France-Presse (AFP)
By Katell Prigent (AFP) – August 1, 2011
OSLO — Norway’s Muslims, reviled by the far-right extremist behind the twin attacks of July 22, began an emotional Ramadan Monday amid more funerals and ceremonies commemorating the 77 people killed.
The Muslim fasting month “will be filled with emotions and in honour of the the victims and their families,” said Methab Asfar, who heads the Islamic Council, an umbrella organisation for Muslim groups across Norway.
Norway’s Muslims marked the start of Islam’s holy month of Ramadan just 10 days after Anders Behring Breivik carried out his deadly attacks in what he described as a battle against a “Muslim invasion” of Europe.
“Ramadan is always a special time, and we pray everyday. Of course we will be praying for the victims of the attacks and their families,” Samaia Elamin, 23, told AFP as she bought fruit and vegetables for the Iftar feast when the fast is broken after sunset.
