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The basis of Islam is the belief that there is only one God and that the Prophet Mohammed is his messenger. There are five pillars of the faith (the ‘hadith’), which all Muslims must follow – the Profession of Faith (a statement of the belief, as above), Prayer, Charity (giving of alms), Fasting (during the holy month of Ramadan) and Pilgrimage. Every Muslim, if possible, is required at least once in their lifetime to make the pilgrimage or ‘Hajj’ to the holy city of Mecca (or Makkah) in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, a Muslim is required to pray five times a day, facing Mecca. The times vary according to the position of the sun. Most people pray at a mosque, although it is not unusual to see them kneeling by the side of the road if one is not near. It is not considered polite to stare at people praying or to walk over prayer mats.
Traditional Omani cuisine is fairly simple, with rice as the main ingredient cooked together with beef, mutton, goat, chicken or fish. The meat is roasted, grilled or baked after marinating in a variety of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, pepper, turmeric and saffron. This is not surprising considering Oman’s position on the ancient trade routes. However, the food is rarely ‘hot and spicy’ since the flavours are used in a subtle manner.
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