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.
