The mosque took approximately 11 years to build, being completed in 2007. It’s main axis is aligned with the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The project was launched by the late president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the country.
There are five pillars of Islam which cover the core beliefs and practices.
1. Profession of Faith (shahada). The belief that “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God” is central to Islam. One becomes a Muslim by reciting this phrase with conviction.
2. Prayer (salat). Muslims pray facing Mecca five times a day ( will address this later)
3.Alms (Zakat). Muslims must give a certain proportion of their wealth to those in need. This is a very visible activity in the community.
4. Fasting (sawm). During the daylight hours of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, all healthy adult Muslims are required to abstain from food and drink. This topic is lengthy, but I will say the discipline required to accomplish this is impressive. Many people suffer the first days without coffee or cigarettes, but they are very accustomed to the practice. The month of Ramadan moves back…11 days per year I believe as it is dictated by the moon.
5.Pilgrimage (hajj). Every Muslim whose health and finances permit it must make at least one visit to the holy city of Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia. Since the time of the Prophet Muhammad, believers from all over the world have gathered around the Ka’ba in Mecca on the eighth and twelfth days of the final month of the Islamic calendar.
Lots to keep track of! I encourage you to read up on this fascinating religion if interested.
Before performing prayer, one must perform ablution, which cleanses one of impurities. There are specifics for this practice, but you will see hands, feet and mouth being cleansed. You will see stacks of shoes/sandals outside the prayer area.
(Salat means prayer)
Salat al-fajr: dawn, before sunrise.
Salat al-zuhr: midday, after the sun passes its highest.
Salat al-‘asr: the late part of the afternoon.
Salat al-maghrib: just after sunset.
Salat al-‘isha: between sunset and midnight.
I often wondered how the frequent praying was related to the extremely low rate of crime. I figured you were never too far away from your next talk with Allah.
In ending, I barely scratched the surface of this magnificent place and religion.
Jim's Travel Culture and History Blog 