Updated
August 23, 2007
You cannot fail to notice the 5 daily prayers in The Gambia, especially
away from the tourist hotels
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As in all religions, human pride is never far from true spirituality and on Fridays most men will dress in their best and finest clothes, mainly to show their devotuon to Allah but as an aside to show what they can afford here on earth.
Show in Gambia is often all people have to maintain their self respect and dignity.
There has been a massive program of Mosque building in Gambia and there are now some very beautiful mosques around the country.
Like the mens Friday suits, indicating the countries devotion to Allah
Salah is the name for the obligatory prayers that are performed five times a day, and form a direct link between the worshipper and God.
There is no hierarchical authority in Islam and there are no priests.
Communal prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Qur'an and is generally chosen by the congregation.
Private prayers are said at dawn, mid-day, late-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day.
These five prescribed daily prayers contain verses from the Qur'an, and are said in Arabic, the language of Gods revelation to Muhammad. (pbuh)
Personal prayers, can be offered in one's own language and at any time.
Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities, even in the street and this is where you will notice prayers taking place.
Visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life. Friday is most important as a communal prayer, when all male Muslims will try to get to a Mosque for the midday prayers.
A translation of the Adan or Call to Prayer is:
God is Great.
God is Great.
God is Great.
God is Great.
I testify that there is none worthy of worship except God.
I testify that there is none worthy of worship except God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Come to prayer!
Come to prayer!
Come to success!
Come to success!
God is Great!
God is Great!
There is none worthy of worship except God.
