How do I visit a Mosque?

[BRPORSCHE]

Hey guys,

I am in traveling to Abu Dhabi and Muscat, Oman in the next couple of days, and I am interested in visiting some of the Mosques while I am there. The architecture is absolutely stunning of some of the grand Mosque's.

Can I walk around taking pictures of the grounds with my cell phone? Jeans and an oxford ok dress attire? Am I allowed to go in?

Really clueless on all of this and don't want to start WWIII.

Also, Anything that I have just gotta do? I am trying to get to Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi to ride the coaster. And Muscat is supposed to be beautiful.

Thanks!

[stomachmonkey]

Mosque Etiquette - Simple Rules of Etiquette For Visiting Mosques

[matt711]

Convert for the day...

[unclebilly]

I just did my middle east orientation for work. I was told that you can not take photos of architecture and religious buildings.

[scottmandue]

This should work:

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by BRPORSCHE

Also, Anything that I have just gotta do? I am trying to get to Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi to ride the coaster. And Muscat is supposed to be beautiful.

Thanks!

Excellent!

Abu Dhabi is a great city. I have spent about a month total there.

Go do some sand surfing, a bit touristy but it is a hoot: Sand boarding & skiing in Abu Dhabi - VisitAbuDhabi.ae

Also look up the Hash House Harriers in both places...when I was in the Middle East I ran with the Harriers in Bahrain, Egypt, Abu D, etc. The Down Down's are great and a perfect way to meet local expats while you are there.

http://www.gthhh.com/

Enjoy.

Muscat is beautiful, btw, but be careful.

[BRPORSCHE]

Thanks Paul!

Anything in particular I need to be on the lookout for in Muscat safety wise? Or just use situational awareness?

[Seahawk]

I always do a travel alert search. Oman has always been an "interesting" place. Just use good judgement and don't travel solo.

Messages for U.S Citizens | Embassy of the United States Muscat, Oman

I really enjoy the Middle East. The call to prayers at Sunset, if done live, is beautiful.

[imcarthur]

We visited mosques in Turkey but non-Muslims are forbidden inside in Morocco, so it does vary from country to country. Respectful dress is required. You must remove your shoes - in Istanbul they supplied plastic bags at the door. There are 3 general areas inside: the women's screened section at the back, the main walking area in the middle & the praying section at the front. As a non-Muslim you can only go in the walking area. Pictures were OK but again, check with locals before venturing in.

Ian

[Tishabet]

Good info already, just be respectful as you would in any other house of worship. Abhu Dhabi is a very worthwhile place to visit, have never been to Muscat but flew over it on monday leaving Dubai

Paul... on, on!

[vash]

much easier as a male. long pants. good to go. the ladies get a loaner "robe".

shoes? you leave them up front anyways.

i kinda remember taking pictures. been a while.

[Nostril Cheese]

Be polite and ask whomever is at the door. Don't be a loud, ugly American.

[Linderpat]

Originally Posted by brporsche

hey guys,


really clueless on all of this and don't want to end up on youtube getting my head hacked off.

fify

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Mosque Etiquette - Simple Rules of Etiquette For Visiting Mosques

Followers of Islam welcome tourists and the general public inside and will gladly answer your questions.

Hilarious, I could not get into a Mosque in Dearborn MI, and that's when I was invited (as a child by friends).

[dyount]

Pull a Burton on them....

Richard Francis Burton - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by dyount

Pull a Burton on them....

Richard Francis Burton - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Oh boy, he sure was dedicated.

He had planned it whilst traveling disguised among the Muslims of Sindh, and had laboriously prepared for the adventure by study and practice (including undergoing the Muslim tradition of circumcision to further lower the risk of being discovered).

[Bill Douglas]

I go along on Mosque open day as the food is excellent. I recommend the chicken dishess. Curries, chillies, herbs, spices but much more mild and flavorsome than Asain food.

[vash]

leave your preconceptions at the door. just another religious group. nuttinest varies amongst denominations and time-frame.
most mosque i checked out had a visitor center. easy peasy.

[matt711]

The call to prayer gives me the creeps when I hear it live. Too many interesting memmories from Iraq...

[9dreizig]

Wolfboy,, grow that famous beard of yours,, and act like you love Allah and Mohammad for the *****es they are.. you'll be fine