6/22 Jumairah

Jumeirah Mosque

• Learn the religion, "Islam"
• Learn the culture of U.A.E

What did you learn? What did you see? What did you communicate? What obstacles did you face? And what were the solutions?
(Daily Reflection)

Alia

"I learned that even as a Muslim learning more about Islam and the wisdom behind it is still very interesting to me. Just the thought of how god put in all that wisdom behind every act he asks of us, wanting us to be better people, and wanting what is best for us on its own makes me more faithful and thankful. And learning more about Islam, I always find new information it is like water well that never ends the more you dig the more water will burst out. No matter how much you learn you never know everything about it, which actually amuses me and makes me more attached to it. (It makes my faith grow and it makes me even more proud to be a Muslim.) The only concern I had going to the Masjid was how the U.S. students would react to the things they’ll see and learn about Islam and the way they’d react to it. Later that day, I was really pleased to see that they were open minded and willing to learn more about it and even to have some interest in it by asking questions about Islam to correct any misconception they had about it."

Ilene

"I learned about Islamic culture and why they do what they do. I also learned a bit more about a woman's place, which while I still do not feel like I would be comfortable doing what they do, I have a much less negative view on how society treats them as females. In fact certain things I really like, there seems to be more chivalry in their culture, which our men could certainly learn from ; ) I saw some beautiful designs, and this was also the first time I saw Jumerah, which was nice since most of the Zayed girls are from there. One concern, being raised jewish and choosing that while I agree with the principles, the organized prayer is not for me, was that they may try to force their religion on us. I realize the girls did not pressure us but I have been to churches (especially mormon) where people try to get you to convert and that bothers me very much. However I was pleased when it was obvious they just wanted to share culture, not convert anyone. I was also impressed by how accepting they were of other culture because I feel like, especially in certain religions, people are not always accepting, even if their ideals are similar. "