General Information » Culture & Lifestyle » Religion

Islam is the official religion of Oman, with most Omanis following the Ibadhi sect, named after its founder Abdullah bin Abadha. Ibadhism is regarded as ‘moderately conservative’ and a distinguishing feature is the choice of a ruler by communal consensus and consent. Some Omanis are Sunni Muslims and live primarily in Sur and the surrounding areas, and in Dhofar. The Shi’a minority live in the Muscat-Mutrah area.

The basis of Islam is the belief that there is only one God and that the Prophet Mohammed is his messenger. There are five pillars of the faith (the ‘hadith’), which all Muslims must follow – the Profession of Faith (a statement of the belief, as above), Prayer, Charity (giving of alms), Fasting (during the holy month of Ramadan) and Pilgrimage. Every Muslim, if possible, is required at least once in their lifetime to make the pilgrimage or ‘Hajj’ to the holy city of Mecca (or Makkah) in Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, a Muslim is required to pray five times a day, facing Mecca. The times vary according to the position of the sun. Most people pray at a mosque, although it is not unusual to see them kneeling by the side of the road if one is not near. It is not considered polite to stare at people praying or to walk over prayer mats.

The modern call to prayer, broadcast through loudspeakers on the minarets of each mosque, ensures that everyone knows it’s time to pray. Prayer timings are also published in local newspapers. Friday is the holy day. Other religions are recognised and respected, and followers are free to practise their faith.



RamadanXXX

Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Holy Quran, the holy book of Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours (while fasting, they abstain from eating, drinking and smoking). In the evening, the fast is broken with the Iftar feast. Iftar timings are listed in the daily newspapers.

The starting date of Ramadan is not fixed in terms of the western calendar, but each year it occurs approximately 11 days earlier than the previous year. For most Muslim countries the start of Ramadan depends on an actual sighting of the moon.

Out of respect non-Muslims should not eat, drink or smoke in public places, even in their cars, between sunrise and sunset. Office business hours are usually cut short, while shops and parks open and close later. Small restaurants may be closed during the day and hotels provide screened rooms for those not fasting. Bars are closed and the sale of alcohol is banned.

Ramadan ends with a three day celebration and holiday called Eid Al Fitr, ...

Listings

Catholic Church of Sts Peter and Paul

Devi Kalaka Temple (Hindu)

Good Shepherd Protestant church

Holy Spirit Catholic Church

Salalah Christian Centre (XXX Put Salalah in area)

Shiva and Bajrangbali Temple (Hindu)

Shree Ganesh Temple (Hindu)

Shree Govindryji Temple (Hindu)

Tamil Full Gospel Church (Protestant)

The Protestant Church In Oman