Over the ocean and through the dust, to the big malls we go

Last weekend we took a little jaunt over to Bahrain.  If you like really big and expensive malls, this is the place for you.  If you like to NOT have to wear an abaya while out and about, this TOO is a place for you.  (Ignore the picture above - we were visiting a Mosque)

I've been wanting to take the kids to the Grand Mosque over there, because they offer tours and I wanted my kids to see the inside of a Mosque.  We see people praying all the time, and men heading in and out of Mosques several times a day.  This place offered a peak into Islam they haven't seen.  And, I might add, into a very pretty Mosque. (most are not this nice, at all)

Here is the Muesin (sp) singing the call to prayer.  He had a very nice voice, and it was fun to hear so loud and clear.  When my parents were here, I took them here as well.  This man stands at the niche, the little area cut out of the wall, and sings (calls) into the microphone.  The niche (and the man calling) always face toward Mecca.  It was very loud and Gid and Chach covered their ears the entire time.

Our tour guide told us all about the places the decor came from.  As well as showed us where people study to become Immans (religious leaders) here at the Mosque.  He also showed us how they wash and pray.  It was very interesting.  He then began to tell us about the God they believe in:  "God has no parent, he has no spouse, he has no children.  He is alone and he is great."  Yikes. (they believe that we are God's creations, not His children, btw)  At this point Chach got up, pulled me by my abaya sleeve and with the most concerned little face said to me, "It sounds like God is a orphan."  Oh my sweet little boy.  What was I letting reach into his innocent ears?!  I gave him a big hug and said, "Honey.  This man doesn't know the truth.  We know that we are all God's children and that we are all an eternal family.  God is not an orphan."

It really was a neat experience and the kids said that was their favorite part of the day.  But I will tell you that we spent a good ten minutes (and more since) going over their beliefs and ours.  And why we believe what we do, etc.  I want my kids to respect other faiths, but I hope in return their testimony of their own will only continue to grow.