5 times, daily.
A while ago I was chatting with a friend online when she suddenly had a funny facial expression and asked, “What is that?” I smiled and explained, “That? That would be the call to prayer!”
While I was staying at Mike’s apartment, I had the pleasure of living directly above a mosque. This allowed me to have a daily front row seat to the prayer call action. It also meant that if I didn’t leave the apartment before 12pm on Friday, I’d be trapped. Men would be overflowing from the mosque and spreading their prayer rugs along the sidewalk. Because it is not permissible to walk in front of someone while they’re praying, I literally could not leave the apartment lobby.
I took a little video to give you an idea of what the front row action was like. If you’ve never heard a call to prayer, this is what it sounds like in Abu Dhabi.
Prayer Call from Jill Cox on Vimeo.
Translation:
God is most great.
God is most great.
There is no god except God.
There is no god except God.
Mohammed is the messenger of God.
Mohammed is the messenger of God.
Come to prayer.
Come to prayer.
Come to salvation.
Come to salvation.
God is great. God is great.
There is none worthy of worship except God.
(From Dubai: The Complete Residents’ Guide)
xo, jill
Wow what an amazing post! So interesting, I can’t imagine living in that culture… I totally wanna try now!
great video! Yay for Juma!!
That top road crossing seemed to be proving a bit tricky for the cars at one point!! what great pictures!
great photos, really liked this post, and if you don’t mind, I’m going to link to it from my blog before I leave AD- that okay?
yes, of course!
You’re right. I didn’t even notice that!
It’s definitely an interesting experience!
You’d think I would have stopped making plans for 1:00pm on Fridays… I don’t know how many times I got stuck inside!
Wow, that’s cultural immersion! It would be impressive to witness that every day.
That is a lot of people! I love how they are even using the street. Incredible!