Kavan Choksi On Etiquette At The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one place tourists to the UAE shouldn't miss. The awe-inspiring mosque offers a display of the country's religious and cultural heritage. In this post, Kavan Choksi shares a brief guide on etiquette when visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Dress Accordingly
Modesty is the key when visiting places of worship. Women and men must wear loose-fitting clothes, preferably long-sleeves and long pants or skirts. Muslim women should always wear their hijab, while non-Muslim women are encouraged to wear a headscarf as the mosque is considered sacred. Kavan Choksi says that tourists wearing clothing deemed inappropriate will not be allowed inside the mosque.
Observe Silence
Enter the mosque solemnly and respectfully even when you don't see anyone praying. Men and women are not allowed to interact while inside the mosque and are encouraged to stay in their designated areas. Even friends should keep their greetings minimum while in this sacred space.
Remove Footwear
When entering the mosque, remember to remove your footwear to maintain cleanliness and show respect for the people praying. Kavan Choksi notes that there is a place outside the mosque where people can store their shoes until their visit is concluded.
Be Mindful of your Surroundings
Don't walk or stand in front of people praying as you might disturb them in their meditations. If you need to stand or walk, be sure to do it behind them so they can continue what they are doing. If you need to talk to someone who is not praying, go outside the prayer area where you can have a conversation.
Before heading to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or any mosque, remember these points so that you can show respect and understanding to the locals. Kavan Choksi explains that doing so will allow you and the regular mosque-goers to have a serene and meaningful experience.
 |
Image source:Wikimedia.org |
Modesty is the key when visiting places of worship. Women and men must wear loose-fitting clothes, preferably long-sleeves and long pants or skirts. Muslim women should always wear their hijab, while non-Muslim women are encouraged to wear a headscarf as the mosque is considered sacred. Kavan Choksi says that tourists wearing clothing deemed inappropriate will not be allowed inside the mosque.
Observe Silence
Enter the mosque solemnly and respectfully even when you don't see anyone praying. Men and women are not allowed to interact while inside the mosque and are encouraged to stay in their designated areas. Even friends should keep their greetings minimum while in this sacred space.
Remove Footwear
When entering the mosque, remember to remove your footwear to maintain cleanliness and show respect for the people praying. Kavan Choksi notes that there is a place outside the mosque where people can store their shoes until their visit is concluded.
 |
Image source: Cnn.com |
Don't walk or stand in front of people praying as you might disturb them in their meditations. If you need to stand or walk, be sure to do it behind them so they can continue what they are doing. If you need to talk to someone who is not praying, go outside the prayer area where you can have a conversation.
Before heading to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or any mosque, remember these points so that you can show respect and understanding to the locals. Kavan Choksi explains that doing so will allow you and the regular mosque-goers to have a serene and meaningful experience.
Comments
Post a Comment