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Islam is the main religion in Dubai, however the practice of other religions is permitted in this country. Should you decide to live or visit here it is advisable to learn a little of the traditions and practices regarding Islam.

Islam means "active submission to the will of god". Whilst in the country you will hear many people talking about Mohammed who is Islam's main prophet. A quick explanation to the history of Islam relates to a man known as Mohammed who was born in mecca around 571AD. As he neared the age of 40 he began to preach and challenge the local pagan religions. He was forced out of town with his followers who became known as Muslims, he left the town of Medina in 622Ad.

There is a book known as The Holy Koran. This book is said to be gods word, as spoken by Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Mohammed. Many people will be surprised to find that there are many similarities between Christianity and the muslim faith, as you may have noticed the Angel gabriel is also mentioned in the bible. The main point of contention between the muslim faith and christianity is they believe in Jesus but only as a Prophet. In the Koran they say "neither was god born nor did he give birth" as you can see christianity believes Jesus to be the son of god, and as far as the Muslims are concerned God has never been born or lived on this earth.

Islam is broken into 5 pillars:

• Faith (a profession of faith).
• Prayer (this pillar lays out obligatory prayers to be performed by devout muslims 5 times a day).
• Charity (is the third pillar which involves the obligatory donation of 2.5% of the value of you assets every year).
• Fasting (this relates to Ramadan when muslims must fast during the hours of daylight for the whole of this holy month).
• Pilgrimage (this is the final pillar that asks every muslim at some point in their life to make a pilgrimage to Mecca).

The language of the country is Arabic, although English is spoken in all shops, restaurants and hotels.

There are a number of churches in Dubai which reflects its large Christian population. You will find that the various Christian sects are well represented. Below is a list of churches in Dubai.

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints | Jumeirah | Tel: 04 3953883
• Emirates Baptist Church International | Jumeirah | Tel: 04 3491596
• Marthoma Syrian Church of Malabar | Jebel Ali | Tel: 04 8845104
• St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church | Jebel Ali | Tel: 04 8845251
• United Christian Church of Dubai | Jebel Ali | Tel: 04 8846623
• Dubai Evangelical Church Centre | Jebel Ali | Tel: 04 8846630
• Holy Trinity Church - Church of England | Oud Metha | Tel: 04 3370247
• New Covenant Church Dubai | Oud Metha | Tel: 04 3351597
• St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church | Oud Metha | Tel: 04 3370087
• The Arab Evangelical Church of Dubai | Jebel Ali | Tel: 04 8846630
• Victory Walkers International Church | Trinity Compound | Tel: 050 6328326

 

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