Religion

The state official religion is Islam but confession of another religion is tolerated, so there are for example also some Christian churches at the area of the SAE. But propagation of any other religion than Islam is forbidden.

The Islamic era dates from so called hidhra, that means since the year 622 when the prophet Muhammad escaped from Mekka to Medina. Islamic calendar is directed by the lunar months, so its year is 11 days shorter than ours. Generally only Muslims are allowed to enter the mosques.

Five pillars of the religion
Islam is based on five essential religious obligations which were set by the prophet Muhammad.

Profession of faith (Iman): Islam recognizes only one God, Allah. Everyone can become a Muslim if he says shahadah aloud: “I declare that there is no other God than Allah and that Muhammad is his harbinger.”

Prayer (Salah): Every Muslim has to pray five times a day. The prayer means precisely set sequence which is taught sins childhood. Islam lacks priesthood, so every Muslim has to master the prayer himself.

Alms (Zakah): Every Muslim has to give a part of his earnings to the poor and needy.

Fasting (Sawm): Every Muslim has to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. During whole month Muslims are not allowed to eat, drink or have sex.

Pilgrimage (Hajj): Every Muslim has to absolve at least one pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.