Iftar at Zayed Grand Mosque

We were invited by some of our Muslim friends to attend Iftar (breaking of the fast) the other night. It was located at on of the largest mosques in the world, named after the founder/first president of Abu Dhabi. Sheik Zayed Mosque is huge, with stunning architecture, beautiful artwork and design, and immaculate when it comes to detail and cleanliness. For a non-muslim, I was very impressed. In America, we spend money on things like athletic arenas, concert halls, or casinos, but here, they put their treasures towards their god and their worship...and we know that this place has its fair share of wealth as evident in this place of prayer.

We began our evening, running behind for Iftar, where as soon as the sun sets, a monotonous call from each mosque in the city pierces through the air, and people begin eating dates and soon after their evening meal. Of course, going to a location where thousands of people were hoping to find a free evening meal is always rushed and crowded, no matter the country. When we arrived, we had to separate. David and Ausif, along with his 3 year old son Zayd went in one direction, and Mallori and the Ladies went the other way (Typical of Muslim countries). On the men's side, the food was gone, we were too late...so we thought...but thankfully we had a very slender child with us, and the police had compassion...they invited us into their tent and we began eating. Mallori and the girls had no problem finding food, as women are still treated with respect when it comes to being protected and provided for, even if they are viewed as inferior.

As for myself, I enjoyed several handfuls of seasoned rice (no eating utensils were left) and experienced my first taste of goat (tastes a little like lamb but was slightly greasier). Deliscious! Being in the police tent, people were strict...we had several men walking around monitoring those who try to sneak out with pockets of leftovers. I felt bad, as this seemed to be the place where the less fortunate go for dinner, though since my employer still hadn't paid us by this time, I was equally as poor. Plus I definately looked the part trying to eat with my hands. Not necessarily a sanitary environment, but i was thankful for my meal and experience.

After eating, I was invited to pray with Ausif. I went into the gorgeous mosque, which has over 80 domes, a thousand pillars with gold plating covering the tops, the worlds largest persian rug (which is about 60 thousand square feet itself), and amazing crystal chandeliers throughout. No wonder this place cost over 2 billion dirhams (about 550 million) to build. I didn't pray with my friend, but I watched as I was fascinated with the committed fervence of each person who prayed, bowing down towards Mecca, all confident that their prayers would be answered. I wonder how many times we Christians have the reverence to actually bow our face to the ground when we talk with the Almighty God, yet alone get on our knees. This happens at least 5 times a day for muslims. God help us to be so faithful. After watching Ausif pray and being convicted in my own faith, we met up with the ladies, where I found my beautiful wife, covered in the full Muslim Abaya covering. She was sooo cute...if only I had my camera...of course, i'm sure i'll send pictures later as she was able to take it home with her, like the shampoos from the hotel (don't worry, we never steal the towels). Hopefully, i'll have the chance to return and take some photos.

Eid Mubarak (blessed and prosperous Eid)

Ramadan is officially over, and we now are in the 3 day period which is similar to Christmas. Muslims around the world have been fasting for the past month, but now they celebrate with gifts, feasts, and vacations. We are looking forward to normacy again when it comes to eating, but i'm sure spirits will be happier here now that people aren't so cranky from not eating. I tell ya, those cabbies aren't too cheerful during the daytime, and they won't dare pick you up if they are about to break their fast...now things should be easier here. We also should be moving into our apartment soon, so more pictures to come!

Please keep us in prayer...

D