The majority of individuals of the Arab ethnicity are aligned with Islamic spirituality, with a minority identifying with the Christian faith. The UAE’s main religion is that of Islam, and its societal rituals and customs are Islamic in their core. For a firsthand introduction into this fascinating culture and religion, visit this splendid emirate and immerse yourself in a centrally located hotel in Abu Dhabi such as the Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi. It is one of the finest options for accommodation Abu Dhabi has to offer the discerning traveller. At the heart of Islamic spirituality is the concept of prayer, or Salah, as the practiced is known as, often conducted five times each day. Combining physical actions, verbal expressions, and internal dedication, Muslims invite the grace of Allah (“God” in Arabic) into their lives. Fasting is another important feature of the religion, with Muslims foregoing the consumption of food and drink from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan. The concept of fasting is believed to cleanse the body, mind, and soul of all impurities, physical and mental, and bring one closer to God. The annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca is one event that should be undertaken by each and every Muslim, at least once during one’s lifetime, and perform the sacred rites of this ancient custom. One intriguing aspect of the faith is the concept of charity, where each Muslim is expected to give a certain portion of income to those less fortunate. If one is bereft of monetary means, the concept of giving is also practiced in other ways, as such as favours, good deeds, and the like. It maintains strong ties within the Islamic community, which results in a feeling of unity and compassion. In addition, purification by way of washing the hands, face, and feet with water prior to performing important rituals or prayers forms a common practice by Muslims. The ethical slaying of animals, incorporating what is known as “Halal” (“lawful” in Arabic) is another component of the Islamic faith, where the word of God is mentioned prior to slaying an animal, an acknowledgement of the divine nature of this gift provided for human consumption. This unique practice can be likened to Native American spirituality, where traditional Native American hunters established a respectful bond with the animal they were hunting, in acknowledgement of the interconnected nature of all existence.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.
