In this travel Podcast from Backpacker Magazine (Ireland/UK) and www.backpacker.ie I visit the Al-Fateh Mosque, in Manama, the capital of Bahrain in the United Arab Emirates.
The Al Fateh Mosque is Bahrain's largest religious building and is topped by the world's largest fibreglass dome. It can accommodate up to 7000 worshippers at a time, and also houses the Religious Institute for Islamic Affairs and offers a rare opportunity for the non-Muslim to enter a mosque.
As well as giving a guided tour of the mosque our guide answers some interesting, even controversial questions on the relationship between the West and the Muslim world, such as the war in Iraq and West's role in the Israeli Palestinian conflict.
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Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf offering a blend of ancient and modern. Skyscrapers share the landscape with majestic mosques, embodiments of Islamic art, culture and architecture. Manama, Bahrain's capital, is modern, dominated by a Manhattan-style skyline. The souk lies in the center of the old town, near the archway of Bab al-Bahrain.
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Some of the questions asked, statements made, and views expressed during the tour were;
What is the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims?
Why does a Mosque face Mecca?
Do women cover their faces when they are inside the Mosque?
What do Muslims do when they visit Mecca?
What is your view on American soldiers in Iraq?
Do you think the motivation for the attack on Iraq was a reaction to 911?
What is the Islamic view on what is just?
What about the American soldiers who are in Bahrain on R&R (rest and relaxation) from the war in Iraq?
Terrorism doesn't come from a vacuum?
Does the Koran comment on non-Muslims, i.e. Westerners?
Is the West oppressing the Muslim world?
The Palestinian issue?
Will there be a civil war in Iraq when the Americans pull out?
Michael Collins flew to Bahrain with Gulf Air, www.gulfairco.com
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