CULTURE
The Omani culture has its roots firmly in the Islamic religion.
Oman developed its own particular form of Islam, called Ibadhism, after its
founder, Abdullah ibn Ibadh who lived during the 7th century AD. Not all Omanis
are Ibadhis, however: there are also Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims. Omanis
are not only tolerant of the beliefs of different Muslim divisions, they are
also tolerant towards believers of other faiths, who are allowed to practise
their religion in churches and temples. Islam is based on the fulfillment of
the 'Five Pillars of Islam' or the hadiths. By fulfilling these duties one
is assured of a place in heaven.
The awqaf are religious endowments which can take the form
of property or revenue and are administered by the Ministry of
Awqaf and Religious Affairs for the maintenance of mosques and
for the benefit of the community. The zakat is a charity tax
which is paid to the needy. Every Muslim must pay this, according
to his means.
All Muslims are obliged to fast during Ramadhan, one of the
Pillars of Islam. For around 29 to 30 days, each Islamic year,
Muslims refrain from smoking, eating and drinking during the
hours of fasting (from sunrise to sunset). Ramadhan advances
10 to 11 days each year as it is governed by the lunar calendar.
The Haj or pilgrimage is another Pillar of Islam. The pilgrims
travel to al-Medina in Saudi Arabia to visit the Prophet's tomb
before travelling to the holy sites in Mecca. In 1999, there
were approximately 19,000 Muslims travelling from Oman to Saudi
Arabia. The pilgrimage is organised and coordinated by the Ministry,
which ensures the pilgrims' health and safety during the course
of their stay.
