How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The Balti had originally migrated southwest from Tibet, via Ladakh, more than six hundred years ago, and their Buddhism had been scoured away as they traveled over the rocky passes and replaced by a religion more attuned to the severity of their new landscape—Shiite Islam. (2.23)
Religions are practically living things, just like the people who practice them. They, too, have to adapt and change to the landscape they find themselves in.
Quote #2
Even during his five daily prayer sessions, Mouzafer, a fastidious man of faith, would steal a glance away from Mecca to make sure Mortenson was still nearby. (2.30)
This quote shows how devout Mouzafer is, and maybe we're reading into it too much, but it also seems to suggest how Mortenson is almost as important as Mecca to this man. This is a theme we'll see crop up further down the line.
Quote #3
"Will you show me how to pray?" Mortenson asked, impulsively.
"Are you a Muslim?"
"I respect Islam." (6.43-6.45)
One way to understand a religion separate from your own is to participate in its rituals and see them for yourself. Mortenson educates himself firsthand in the customs of Islam by participating in their prayer.