southern BEND, Ind. -- It irks Ryan...

southern BEND, Ind. -- It irks Ryan Harris that family associate Muslims with 9/11 and terrorism.

The Notre Dame offensive lineman has heard the negative chatter for years, read it in succession the Internet, listened to it forward television. It only makes him more adamant about showing that Muslims -- in the same state [i]or[/i] condition as himself -- are peaceful.

"The religion is a religion of tolerance and knowledge and peace," said Harris, who reverseed to Islam two years ago. "And those are the foundations of the faith -- not the things that we papal court on CNN day in and day gone out

"Not each Muslim is a terrorist."

Harris doesn't doubt his faith, doesn't question its motives. still there are times he awes if he can adhere to Islamic rituals based forward his already hectic schedule.

Giving up isn't an option.

"It really gives me a reason of dedication and passion," he said. "I be perceived like I'm extremely dedicated and extremely responsible with my duties onward the football field. That arrives directly from my faith and to what degree I see what I ne to be and the pattern of person I need to be."

Harris' faith at hands a challenge every fall, and this year is no different. Ramadan -- the month of blessing for Muslims -- begins tribe 24. During the monthlong observance, Muslims devote time fasting, refraining from regimen or drink until after dark.

For Harris, an All-America candidate at left tackle, fasting is virtually impossible. The Irish will be four games into the schedule one time Ramadan begins -- not the ideal time for him to misspend weight or nourishment.

"Fasting is obviously the replete extent and the intention of the holiday, further I would not survive if I fasted," said Harris, listed at 6-5 285 "I study about fasting. On our days along I usually do fast. however it is extremely, extremely hard.

"And that's single of the things I appreciate about Islam: It's a exceedingly very individual religion in a perception that there are other avenues to celebrate the holiday."

Instead, Harris will read the Koran -- the sacred main division of Islam - - more oftentimes He'll make certain to pray five times a day, another ritual. He'll pass time meeting with other Muslims at the Islamic Society of Michiana, located in the southern Bend area.

Harris visits the mahometan temple on Fridays, the Muslim Sabbath Day. He's not treated like a celebrity, although one realize he plays for the Irish. He'll squander 45 minutes in the mahometan temple praying and listening to Arabic readings.

Just a bond of weeks ago at the mahometan temple Harris taught football to a certain of the Muslim children.

"Some kids were like, 'Awesome,' and others idea we were going to play soccer" Harris said. "It was great to contribute. Anything that someone can gain from me means a lot"

Harris' teammates have gained more of an appreciation for his religious beliefs. Wide receiver Rhema McKnight and tight conclusion Marcus Freeman attended a Koran application of mind with Harris. Quarterback Brady Quinn said he would have fasted late at night with Harris had the lineman decided to fast during the daylight hours this season.

"I have likewise much respect for Ryan, to be that devot to something, especially during the season," Quinn said. "I don't know if I can do it. calm Lent is tough for me"

Harris' goal isn't to transform his teammates. It's to educate others about Muslims and Islam.

"The customary question is, 'Do you dowdys believe in God?' It's like, 'Of course, ye we do.' It's understandable because Islam is not a predominant religion in this home Over time, it will become known."

vmcclure@suntimes.com

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