Quran, Communities and Culture

It is extremely evident that the three components of Oman society are the Quran, communities and culture. They all exist and thrive based on the interdependence on one another. I would say that the Quran and it’s 5 pillars is the backbone but because of it, all the other aspects fall into place. The commitment to Mohammed and his teachings has made the culture and communities welcoming to all, richer or poorer, young and old, healthy or disabled. Crime is very low, and the quality of life and the moral compass that is embraced, leads to a much more civilized community than what we are accustomed to. Islam is too great a subject to discuss here, but I for one have truly been impressed with its teachings and values. The weather has certainly been as expected. Sunny and hot. And our small group too, are fun and entertaining led by our energetic guide and host Gordon and our local guide Zahir. I don’t really relish the thoughts of going to local markets but today was an exception. Due to Friday prayers, the crowds were manageable and well behaved. The butcher and vegetable stalls were in abundance along with the spice vendors. The constant chattering in Arabic along with the fragrances all added to the lively and colorful atmosphere. These markets are also where one would go to get a customed sewed Dishdasha at one of the many tailor shops, which are mostly run by tailors from India. I didn’t get a Dishdasha, but I did get a customed made to order Kufi along with a keffiyeh scarf to make it into a turban. We were treated to a calligraphy class complete with the history of the Arabic language along with hands on instruction on how to write left to right. I did my best and the teacher was very encouraging by giving me a passing grade. As a reward he presented all our group with individual certificates with our names written in Arabic which he did with his own free hand. I also purchased an Arabic saying which he personally designed proclaiming something like Mohammed is the enlightened one. Amongst other things, there was a visit to a women’s centre devoted to self sustaining and a sundown cruise in a Dhow which sailed along the coast viewing the Sultan’s Palace from the Arabian sea. However, the highlight to date has to have been our trip to the Grand Mosque. Unbelievable! From concept to completion, it took a total of nine years and was paid in full by the Sultan. No one knows the final cost, as by the rule of Islam, one has to be modest and not be boastful when it comes to extravagances. Chandeliers made from Austrian crystal, tiles from Iran, Teak from Burma and Turkish gold to Italian marble; stained windows designed in France and rugs woven from Scottish weavers. A maximum of 20,000 worshipers in total can be accommodated and no less than four Imans are employed onsite. I could go on and on but enough for one day. Time to take a break and fit in a little pool and beach time. Allahu Akbar الله أكبر