Curious about Islam and Muslim traditions – would love to learn from you all

As-salamu alaykum, everyone. I hope it's alright for me to pop in here with some questions. I'm not Muslim, but I'm coming from a place of sincere curiosity and deep respect. I've always been drawn to learning about different faiths and cultures, but I often hold back because I really don't want to accidentally say something disrespectful or get things wrong. My neighbors are a Muslim family, and something happened recently that showed me how much I'm missing. The husband just lost his wife, and since then, I've watched so many people rally around the family. Folks kept arriving, cars lined up the streets, and there was this huge wave of support-people just being there for them. It was honestly really touching to see from my window. Tonight, it's the second evening since her passing, and I hear what sounds like recitations coming from their home. A group of men gathered, and they seem to be repeating some verses together. Even from my place, not understanding the words, it sounds so peaceful. I don't know what the gathering is about exactly, and I'm not trying to guess, but it's made me wonder more about the meaning behind it all. The way the community shows up during grief just feels so beautiful and meaningful. I'll be honest-this isn't just about what's going on next door. I've genuinely wanted to learn more about Islam for a while: the beliefs, the daily practices, the celebrations, family life, and the 'why' behind things Muslims do. But what really stands out to me is that sense of togetherness. When someone goes through a huge loss like losing a spouse, they seem to have a circle of people holding them up. As an outsider, that's incredibly powerful to witness. At the same time, I feel a bit awkward even asking here because I don't want to treat someone's grief like a curiosity. And I definitely don't want to bother my neighbor with questions right now-he's mourning his wife, and I think my role is to just be respectful and not intrusive. So, I thought asking in a space like this might be better. For any Muslims who feel okay sharing: - What are some things about Islam or Muslim life that you wish neighbors like me understood better? - Are there traditions or rituals that people might see from the outside but not really get the meaning of? - And especially around death and mourning-could someone walk me through what the family and community normally do in this time, and why? - Lastly, as a non-Muslim neighbor, what can I actually do to help or comfort them? Like, is it okay to drop off food, assist with little errands, or just check in? Or is it better to give them space? I know Muslims come from many backgrounds and traditions can differ, so I'd appreciate hearing from different perspectives too. I'm really just here to learn. I'm not trying to assume anything or poke into something personal and sacred. I saw something that felt really beautiful, and it woke me up to wanting to know more about the people and traditions around me. JazakAllah khair to anyone who takes the time to share.