Day Two...Mosque Tour and G & D Park

This morning I dropped Fayth off at school and we headed to Jumeirah Mosque for the tour. I did this tour back in 2007, when I came to Dubai with Jon on vacation, right after Fayth was born. I had forgotten what an awesome informational tour it is. It lasted for about an hour and really brought us "up to speed" with the Islamic culture. Robin and I both had to wrap our heads, cover our arms & legs with long pants and tops, and go inside the mosque barefoot. It was very crowded with many tourists coming to learn more about the Muslim culture. Robin even volunteered...the suck a** that she is...she always had to be that better student...he he he...glad she did...it made for some great pictures and good memories!!

We'll give you a top ten of what we learned:

1. The Black abya is "known for" in the the UAE as their "uniform" and color preference. Black is slenderizing and a shield to the hot desert sun. Other Muslims, from other countries, have a different look that is unique to their surrounding area.

2. They pray 5 times a day and it all revolves around the rising and the setting of the sun. This also mimics the 5 pillars of Islam.

3. The 5 pillars of Islam are as follows: declaring that is no GOD but Allah, praying 5 times a day, charity, making a pilgrimage to Mecca, and fasting during Ramadan.

4. Men must wash their feet before entering a mosque but the woman don't have to. Everyone has to remove their shoes. Woman are not required to go to a mosque for prayer because they are busy with their children, chores, cooking and housework. However; they are required to pray on their own.

5. The Muslims give a minimum of 2.5% of their yearly savings to the poor and needy.

6. Men and Woman have to be separated and don't pray together in part of the mosque. As this may be distracting and take away from prayer time. I.E. If I were standing next to "Brad Pitt" I probably wouldn't be able to concentrate on prayer!! (Hell no............I'd be thinking how I could take him home!!)

7. Traditional dress for women is the Abya for modesty purposes. It is said they should share their beauty with only with their loved ones. Most cover their hair because that is said to be an extension of beauty.

8. Pilgrimage to the Mecca is an obligation for those who are physically and financially able to do so. Just once in their lifetime is expected...but they may visit it whenever they'd like. They go to the Mecca to "clear the slate" and get rid of their "bad deeds."

9. During the month of Ramadan, every healthy Muslim is required to fast from dawn until dusk. It helps with the following; patience, cleansing, knowing how the less fortunate feel, and many other reasons.

10. Mosques are everywhere...almost every few blocks so they are easily accessible for all 5 calls to prayer. You will even see them at gas stations, malls, and in the middle of the dessert.

Robin and I really enjoyed the tour and learning a bit more about the culture. After "church" we headed to the Gold & Diamond park to treat ourselves for being "good girls" and going to church school. He he he...Really...we headed there to have a necklace made for Ella. I had given Mia a necklace for Christmas a few years ago and Robin wanted to have one made for Ella as well. We ordered it and it will be made by Wednesday!!

Now we are home blogging, eating lunch, and getting ready for DUNE BASHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay tuned for pictures from our bashing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not forgetting my memory card this time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!