Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), Delhi, India

It was ironic that the last mosque we would see, would be our most unfortunate encounter, not because of its architecture – the simple red sandstone facade with contrasting white onion-style domes was quite beautiful, but due to the disappointing etiquette in which we were treated.

Having visited a number of mosques throughout our travels in the middle east and more recently the Silk Road, we had learnt a lot about Islam and always ensured we respected and abided by the general rules and etiquette of a mosque when visiting.

It started when we were charged three-hundred rupees to enter the mosque, masked as a camera charge. This was a first as mosques we had visited had never asked for a financial contribution from visitors. They wouldn’t even let us in if we agreed to not take photographs.

After payment, Sonya was forced to wear a chodor (an open cloak), even though she was modestly dressed there, with long sleeved blouse, ankle length skirt and even a scarf to cover her hair. We were confused seeing so many women wearing short sleeved sleeves and uncovered hair when we stepped inside.

Inside wasn’t much better either, with children and women playing with the water of the ablution pond and people using their mobile phones near the qibla.

Travis on the main steps leading to Jama MasjidThe eastern gate of the mosque was the rural entranceNorthern entrance of the mosque viewed through the southern entrance
Minaret of the Jama Masjid, notice the call to prayer speakersThe bazaar leading up to the eastern entranceBazaars surrounding the Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid (mosque) eastern entrance gateEastern entrance gate, the domes of the mosque can be seen in the backgroundEastern entrance gate of the Jama Masjid
The entrance to the Jama Masjid prayer roomCorner minaret of the Jama MasjidEastern entrances viewed from the inner courtyard of Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid with two onion shaped domesJama Masjid with minaret and dome on either sideView of Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque)
Close up of Jama Masjid onion shaped domesThe ablution pond inside Jama MasjidView of Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque)

Ramadan Mubarak

Today is the first day of the Holy month of Ramadan. It is my first Ramadan here in Qatar and Travis’ second (although I’m not sure if living on camp in Ras Laffan Industrial City counts in as really having experienced a Ramadan in Qatar!). During the lead up to Ramadan there were many discussions in the our office – what to do, what not to do. I was curious to see what it would be like – one month where most of the country’s population is fasting – this combined with the fact that it falls generally during the hottest months in the year in the gulf.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, where Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset. According to the teachings of Islam, fasting month reminds people of the poor and how they feel. It is also a time for redirecting the heart away from worldly or personal desires. The fasting period lasts for a full lunar month.

As we are not Muslims, one may think that Ramadan does not affect us and other non-Muslims in a significant way. However, there are some very strict constraints placed during this month. For example, eating, drinking and smoking is forbidden in public – it is illegal. You are not allowed to drink, smoke or eat in even in your car.

In the office we have reduced working hours. I read today that the Ministry of Labour will enforce this by conducting surprise raids in private offices to make sure employees are not working more than six hours (!) Within our office eating is permitted only in designated areas (i.e. the concealed kitchen). Out of respect for fasting colleagues we are not permitted to heat up food. Shops and cafes are closed during the day and re-open at sunset until the early hours of the morning.

Iftar refers to the breaking of the fast and takes place at sunset. Most restaurants here advertise speciality Iftar menus. I have heard that in reality, consumption actually increases during Ramadan. Many of the Iftar meals that restaurants and hotels offer are buffet-style feasts in contrast to the simple Iftar meals of Arabic bread, dates and curry which were traditionally eaten. It seems the government have recognised this and a number of newspapers have urged people to remember the religious intent of Ramadan.

Anyway, with Ramadan just beginning we are hoping to attend some of the Iftar celebrations around town and see what the locals get up to. Looking forward to it!

Pre gunshot prior to artillery fire signalling the start of Iftar
After artillery fire signalling the start of Iftar

Doha Museum of Islamic Art

Situated on the Doha harbour with a spectacular view of the Doha skyline is the Museum of Islamic Art. The Museum houses a collection of Islamic artworks dating from the 7th to 19th centuries.

Sonya in front of the Museum of Islamic Art
Travis at the entrance of the Museum of Islamic Art
Inside the Museum of Islamic Art
Islamic trinket
Qatari admiring an Islamic scroll
Holy Quran
Collection of wax seals
Intricate wood tessellation
Qataris relaxing