WASHINGTON, Dec 1: A large gathering inside the city’s main Islamic centre prayed quietly on Jumatul Wida, focusing on religious rituals. But outside, a much smaller gathering listened to fiery speeches on the issues confronting the Muslim world.

The Islamic centre drew thousands of the faithful from across the greater Washington area.

Outside the mosque, on the pavement of Massachusetts Ave., a smaller group of about 50 men and 10 women prayed separately.

The smaller congregation was responding to a call given by Ayatollah Khomeini almost 20 years ago: to celebrate Jumatul Wida as the day of solidarity with the Palestinians. On this day, protest meetings are held throughout the Muslim world.

Although called to express solidarity with the Palestinians, the Imam of the smaller congregation covered almost every subject concerning the Muslims, from the Palestinian Authority to Indonesia.

Inside the mosque, the crowd sat quietly as the Imam explained to them the importance of Ramazan “as a special month for fasting and prayers.”

A large part of his speech was about the practice of giving Zakat to the poor.

“While giving charity, make sure that you are giving it to the right people,” said the Imam.

Although the Islamic centre is administered by the Saudis who have forbidden politics inside the mosque, some worshippers saw a streak of politics in the Imam’s speech as well.

A recent FBI report revealed some charity given to a woman by the wife of the Saudi ambassador in Washington might have been used to pay the rent for two of the hijackers responsible for the Sept 11 attacks.