For several months prior to Susan's arrival to Doha, I lived in a midrise apartment building immediately adjacent to a small local mosque. (See photo at left) I quickly became acquainted with the "call to prayer" broadcasted five times daily from the mosque minaret; including the call for Fajr, (the early morning prayer) that is prayed between dawn and sunrise. Yawn !
I admire the dedication to prayer that practicing Muslims adhere to. Prayer (Salat) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam practiced here in the Gulf. The Five Pillars of Islam (Arabic: أركان الإسلام) is the term given to the five duties incumbent on every Muslim. These duties are Shahadah (profession of faith), Salat (prayers), Sawm (fasting), Zakat (giving of alms, specifically during Ramadan) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).
As for Susan and I here in Qatar, like other members of the LDS faith living in the Gulf, we change our weekly sabbath observance from Sundays to Fridays. In fact, our weekly church meetings are held on Fridays to comply with the same day of the week that Muslims attend their weekly mosque assemblies. Our meetings are currently held in a "villa". (see photo above)
I love the photo of you two – you look 30 something! I appreciate the location shots - it helps me live the adventure with you. So yes, more pics of markets, your house, your friends from church, your office, etc etc!!! Looking forward to cuisine updates as well!!! No pressure :o). Love you both.
ReplyDeleteHow fun to get some glimpses of your life there. Susan, upload those pictures you took when you first got there and write about the daily sights, sounds, smells, and adventures of Qatar! You, too, Geoff! Where you do yoga, where you swim, shop for groceries, the people in their middle eastern clothing (maybe they don't let you take pictures?), and shots of your living circumstances... tell all. Darcie
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