Job Discussion Forums

[Pikgitina]

[CANDLES]

With all due respect I think the question was a 'tongue in cheek' question?

Whether one is Muslim or not, the fundamental Law of Life is to conduct oneself and to interact with others in a decent, respectful manner, respecting other religions and other points of view.

As for going to mosques, many Non-Muslims do and are aware of being respectful. Let's not profess that ONLY Muslims know how to do the things relevant to their religion. Reams of books have been written on Islam by Christians and of other Faiths and they are enlightening.

If I go to a Church would I have to dip my hand in Holy Water and kneel? No, I don't think so, so the same with visiting ANY Mosque. It's curiosity and that's all.

[Pikgitina]

Candles, I didn't get the feeling that the question was tongue in cheek. If it was, fair dues.

You read quite a bit into my post. Yasuke asked earlier if choosing 'Muslim' was an option even if one is not. So in that context, I wrote what I wrote above. Imagine your iqama stated you were Muslim and then you had to fake being one...in KSA! You would then have to do what Muslims do at a mosque.

[nomad soul]

I'm with Pikgitina on this one. I didn't sense the poster was being facetious; the question was in line with the type of inquiries he/she has posted on other threads within this forum. Anyway, it would be near impossible for a non-Muslim to fake being a Muslim, especially in KSA. Astute Muslim coworkers would definitely spot slip ups and subsequently, will want, uh... answers.

By the way, visa applicants are required to state their religion on the visa application. If "Muslim" is indicated on the application and the Saudi Embassy considers the applicant's name isn't traditional Arabic-Muslim, they may request the applicant provide written verification from his/her mosque confirming religion. This was the experience of a friend of a mine, a recent convert to Islam with a very American last name. She ended up submitting a copy of some sort of official conversion certificate in order to get her employment visa approved.

[Rostom]

[CANDLES]

HaHa! So if I work in UK or go to any Christian country should I pretend to be a Christian?

As for being a Muslim in KSA whether one is pious or not, ignore the nosiness and be polite and say No Comment. It's none of any ones business, apart from putting things on Official documentation.

On a personal note, I have been told I do not 'LOOK MUSLIM' and my name doesn't denote 'Muslimness'???????. Oh DEAR!

So in all fairness, there are an awful lot of idiots about- Muslims and otherwise!

[rollingk]

[johnslat]

Dear CANDLES,

"As for going to mosques, many Non-Muslims do and are aware of being respectful"

It might be a good idea to be specific about what "respectful" entails:

"But, can a non-Muslim expatriate enter a mosque in Saudi Arabia? After all, non-Catholics can enter the Vatican and non-Christians are welcomed at churches around the world. While the holy mosques of Makkah and Medina are off-limits to non-Muslims, the rest of the country and its mosques are open. However, there are protocols which must be followed.

Any expatriate, male or female, should enter a mosque clean. A woman’s face should be free of make-up. As a non-Muslim it is recommended that he or she not enter the mosque during the time of prayer but rather between prayer times. Similar to entering a church, he or she should be respectful and quiet.

First of all, for a woman, not every mosque will necessarily have a women’s section. However if there is a women’s section then it would be okay to enter. A woman must be properly covered and in this case she should not only wear the abaya but also have her hair properly covered and tucked away in her hijjab. She should not forget to take off her shoes for individuals enter the mosque either barefoot or wearing socks. I recommend after entering, she kneel down on her knees and quietly take in the essence and ambiance. It is NOT appropriate to take photographs from within a mosque, especially if it is a local neighborhood mosque.

The non-Muslim expatriate man should also be properly dressed. He does not need to wear a thobe but he should be wearing pants which fall below the knee. Sleeveless shirts or tank tops are not appropriate. The man should also remove his shoes and leave them outside before entering. Just like a women’s section, he should not take photographs or talk loudly.

Be sensitive to where you are and what is going on around you before choosing to enter a mosque. If you are in an area unknown to you, then it may be better not to enter a mosque until you are more familiar with the area and surroundings. If entering a mosque and there are Muslims inside, if you are given looks of suspicion or feel like you are intruding, then quietly exit.

Always remember a mosque is a place of prayer and worship for Muslims. It is not a museum. The ideal way to visit a mosque as a non-Muslim in Saudi is to be taken to the mosque by a muslim who can also be a defacto guide and readily answer any questions."

http://americanbedu.com/2011/01/25/saudi-arabia-can-a-non-muslim-enter-a-mosque/

Regards,
John

[CANDLES]

Yes John, all noted, but apart from KSA where everything is magnified and over the top non-Muslims can enter a mosque if properly dressed, and respectful towards the Faithful and at certain times. People of all faiths are invited openly in the various mosques in the Middle East: Oman, UAE, Kuwait, etc.... Again mutual respect for all. Saudi Arabia is not the 'beacon' of enlightenment with their hardline attitudes. If Mecca and Medina were not there, not one Muslim would go to that country. It is completely wrong for other Faiths not to be recognised in KSA, especially when the Quran tells us to Respect Others!

I am respectful when I go into different churches around the world and I expect the same things from Outsiders. As for Mecca and Medina, I'm afraid they are FAR TO Sacred for Non-Muslims to enter; it would be fantastic if they were open to them just so that they could feel the ambience and profound feeling of awe surrounded by every nationality on the planet.

Perhaps one day...

[johnslat]

Dear CANDLES,

" . . .but apart from KSA where everything is magnified and over the top non-Muslims can enter a mosque if properly dressed, and respectful towards the Faithful and at certain times."

I thought we were talking about Saudi Arabia.

Regards,
John

[plumpy nut]

[CANDLES]

John, I was under the assumption that we had broadened the topic.

If we hadn't OOPS!

[veiledsentiments]

[Rostom]

[johnslat]

Dear Rostom.

"Truly the idolaters are unclean; so let them not, after this year, approach the Sacred Mosque. . . "

Idolaters? I thought Christians were khatabi - people of the Book?

Regards,
John