Monday, July 21, 2014

Day 14

Today we had the opportunity to visit the mosque at AUI.  Normally non Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque, though our group is unique.  Men and women have separate entrances and prayer areas in the mosque.  At the entrance we were in instructed  to remove our shoes, this is to show respect. Before prayer all Muslims wash.  Washing is done by gender.  At this mosque there is a washroom on the lower level.  Our guide brought us down to the washroom, a beautiful mosaic tiled room with water spouts and buckets.  It is important that all body parts are cleaned three times each; mouth, hands, arms, feet, face, ears and the head.  After washing prayer is conducted in a large carpeted room without chairs.  There is a clock placed on the east wall toward Mecca.  All Muslims pray in the direction of Mecca. Women pray in an area behind a wooden screen.

Impressions: One can not help but see how interconnected religion and day life are in Morocco.  Being in Morocco during Ramadan has certainly given me a unique perspective. Many Moroccans will tell you that the pace of daily life slows down during the holy month. During Ramadan most Moroccan Muslims are fasting during the day, shops and restaurants are closed.  The first meal of the day is taken during the evening, at sunset; around 7:30 pm.  When we are off campus, we can hear the call to prayer, but the university does not have the call at the mosque.  However it is loudly chanted throughout the town of Ifrane.  Many Muslims also have the call on their  cellphones, there is an app.  The most devout will pray five times a day. If you are a non Muslim and are in a Muslim country during Ramadan you are not required to fast.  Though for non Muslims it is taboo to drink or eat around Muslims who are fasting.

The Traveling Educator







No comments:

Post a Comment